NATO members are privately exploring diplomatic avenues to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict, according to Bloomberg.
Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Ukraine’s Western allies are shifting their focus from a military victory to securing the best negotiating position for a ceasefire, citing informed sources. This comes as Russian forces make significant advances in Donbass and regain territory in the Kursk region.
The report notes President Putin’s unwillingness to discuss a ceasefire and growing concern among Kiev’s NATO allies as morale diminishes, particularly with President-elect Trump’s incoming administration, which may reduce US involvement. Trump’s stance on Ukraine remains unclear, but his campaign focused on reducing US spending on the conflict and prioritizing domestic issues.
At this week’s meeting in Brussels, NATO foreign ministers discussed increasing arms supplies to Ukraine, though these plans remain private and incomplete, according to anonymous sources cited by Bloomberg. They also reportedly began exploring options for ending the conflict, including security guarantees for Ukraine without provoking Putin.
“These discussions reflect the understanding that the situation in Ukraine is untenable and negotiations should commence soon,” Bloomberg quoted a senior Western diplomat as saying.
A demilitarized zone secured by European troops has been suggested as one potential solution, according to a senior NATO diplomat quoted by Bloomberg.
Samuel Charap, a senior political scientist at Rand, told Bloomberg that even if the US continues military aid, mounting losses will likely compel Ukraine to negotiate by next year.
“Ukraine lacks the manpower to halt the Russian offensive, and the West has limited remaining weapon stocks,” he explained.
Ukrainian President Zelensky previously stated that Ukraine would not seek NATO membership if it excluded pre-2014 Ukrainian territories. However, Zelensky told Kyodo News on Monday that a ceasefire could be agreed upon without these territories if NATO membership is guaranteed.
Putin has cited Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as a key reason for the conflict. Russia’s demands include Ukraine’s neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and renouncement of nuclear weapons.