European NATO members support U.S. initiatives aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, but express doubts about their effectiveness due to the Kremlin’s hardline stance. This was reported by eight diplomats from Alliance countries.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Critical Stage of Diplomacy and Updated Peace Plan
According to one NATO representative, there is currently no indication that the Russian president is ready to engage constructively in negotiations. On the contrary, Russia has recently intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. Diplomats believe that the diplomatic process is now at a critical stage, as the situation is evolving at an extraordinary pace. Certainty about the further development of events will emerge after the return of U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff from Moscow, where he is meeting with Vladimir Putin on December 2.
It is expected that the Russian leadership will be presented with an updated version of the peace plan, which, according to diplomats, significantly differs from the original document that contained 28 points.
“So far, we do not have the impression that the Russian president is ready to play a constructive role in the negotiations – on the contrary. He has intensified the bombing of Ukraine’s civilian targets and energy infrastructure in an unprecedented manner,” noted one NATO official.
Negotiation Challenges and the ‘Plan B’ Strategy
European countries, while not directly participating in the negotiations, have influence over the positions at the negotiating table. The most contentious issues remain Ukraine’s territorial integrity and security guarantees. According to Alliance representatives, a fair and sustainable peace is only possible with Ukraine’s mandatory participation and agreement.
Some NATO officials suggest that Putin will continue to refuse any compromises, and the failure of peace efforts will be solely due to Russia’s inflexibility. They emphasize that the Russians see only Ukraine’s complete capitulation as an acceptable outcome of the negotiations.
In the event of diplomatic efforts failing, Ukraine’s European partners are prepared to take alternative actions. As one diplomat explained, the ‘Plan B’ involves a significant increase in military support for Ukraine, expansion of economic assistance, and strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation.
The majority of Alliance countries, regardless of the further course of the war, will continue to view Russia as a long-term threat. One diplomat emphasized that if the war ends, Russia will be able to more quickly realize its military ambitions, particularly the buildup of ground forces in the northwest. In response, NATO plans to strengthen its own defense capabilities to reliably deter potential aggression in the future.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that Kyiv is awaiting the results of negotiations between U.S. and Russian delegations in Moscow. The Ukrainian side expects clear signals regarding further steps from the West to support its defense and sovereignty.