A senior US official says one battlefield tactic may be affecting the diplomatic calculus, even as Kyiv and Moscow remain far apart.
U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker believes that Ukraine’s long-range strikes on targets deep inside Russia could bring negotiations to end the war closer. He said this in an interview with Fox News, explaining that, in his view, such strikes help bring Kyiv’s and Moscow’s positions closer together.
The diplomat said this in an interview with Fox News.
This conflict will not be resolved on the battlefield. It can only be brought to an end through diplomacy and negotiations.
– Matthew Whitaker in an interview with Fox News
Whitaker also said that U.S. President Donald Trump and his team are continuing talks with Ukraine and Russia in an effort to find common ground. He said that cooperation between both sides is needed to end the war.
Kyiv’s and Moscow’s positions remain far apart
At the same time, Whitaker believes the sides still have significant differences on key issues. He said a peace deal would require Vladimir Putin to be willing to compromise and abandon maximalist demands.
Whitaker added that if a deal is possible, Donald Trump will be able to secure one. So despite diplomatic contacts, the prospect of ending the war depends on Ukraine and Russia being willing to reach an agreement.
Ukraine’s strikes deep inside Russia may bring negotiations closer – U.S. ambassador to NATO