US officials have spent weeks discussing a potential ceasefire framework in Ukraine with European partners. Reports from a TV outlet indicate that Kyiv did not join these discussions. Washington remains the central focus of the conversations, with sources in the capital noting that the United States does not intend to press Ukraine into territorial concessions.
Meanwhile, the Italian proposal for a ceasefire did not secure backing among the discussants. Italy had circulated a peace plan to the United Nations and to G7 members that called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, a framework for resolving contested territories, and a broad multilateral security guarantee arrangement for Europe.
Officials stressed that Washington does not yet see the parties ready for a ceasefire. They warned, however, that failing to reach an agreement risks prolonging the conflict and fueling global economic strains.
Nevertheless, Washington remains hopeful that it can sustain support for Ukraine long enough to pursue a peaceful resolution rather than surrender, officials said. The exact ceasefire framework under discussion was not disclosed by the channel’s sources.
Washington’s role in Ukraine policy
Former Bundestag member Piotr Bystron argued that Washington’s approach to Ukraine is shifting. He pointed to recent remarks by former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and related coverage in the American press as evidence that influence and posture in Europe have changed, extending beyond traditional borders toward the shores of the Dnieper. Bystron suggested that Washington may no longer be able to intervene in Ukraine in the same way as before, noting that the United States finds itself influenced by other global powers.
Status of negotiations
In mid May, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that negotiations with Ukraine were not advancing. At Davos, Henry Kissinger urged a resumption of talks, even if Kyiv would need to concede something. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by criticizing Kissinger, saying that the idea of ceding territory to Russia would repeat a historical mistake and would ignore the reality of Crimea and Donbas. Zelensky reaffirmed that Kyiv would not recognize Crimea as Russian and would not concede autonomy for Donbas.
Public opinion in Russia shows a waning interest in the broader conflict, with surveys indicating mixed views about the war and ongoing coverage. Television remains a frequently cited source for Ukraine-related information, though many viewers question its objectivity. Despite concerns, a sizable portion of the public continues to support the Russian military actions while others seek independent, reliable reporting during this tense period.