This conflict will not end for a long time, but we are closer to some sort of ceasefire or negotiated temporary settlement.
Right now both sides are like exhausted fighters in the later rounds. They can't throw any big punches that might end things decisively.
Zelensky has been reluctant to even talk about a negotiated settlement, but much less so in the past couple weeks. The fact that so much emphasis has been on retaining some Russian territory in Kursk, even to the likely bigger detriment of front lines elsewhere, reflects the thinking that it will be a useful bargaining chip in negotiations.
I think this may be relevant as well. Could be the beginning of the US taking a less involved approach, and perhaps less aid being sent.
Right now both sides are like exhausted fighters in the later rounds. They can't throw any big punches that might end things decisively.
Zelensky has been reluctant to even talk about a negotiated settlement, but much less so in the past couple weeks. The fact that so much emphasis has been on retaining some Russian territory in Kursk, even to the likely bigger detriment of front lines elsewhere, reflects the thinking that it will be a useful bargaining chip in negotiations.
I think this may be relevant as well. Could be the beginning of the US taking a less involved approach, and perhaps less aid being sent.
Quote:U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey will lead Wednesday’s meeting of Kyiv’s allies under the Ukraine Defense Contact Group format, taking over from the U.S. for the first time, the British Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.
The meeting is scheduled ahead of a summit of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, but the Ukraine grouping, also known as the Ramstein Format, is far bigger, including more than 50 allies.
It was set up in April 2022 as a platform to figure out how to support Kyiv in its effort to repulse Russia’s forces, covering everything from fighter jet training to cybersecurity.