In order not to jeopardize the support of Western allies, Washington wants a little more flexibility from the Ukrainian president.

Russia remains open to dialogue with the US for “mutual benefit,” according to the State Department. They want to “maintain targeted contact with the United States on necessary issues,” ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Tuesday on state television, according to dpa. Russia is ready for any kind of mutually beneficial dialogue and common interests.

The remarks came days after reports in Western media that talks may be underway. However, reports in the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal are very vague and could be related to the US congressional election. Most Republicans are determined to continue the military war against Russian President Vladimir Putin until he is ousted. However, they worry that the control of arms supplied by the US under “borrow and lease” agreements is not comprehensive enough.

Due to leasing, US suppliers must have at least a basic idea of ​​where the equipment is. From Washington’s point of view, it is therefore advisable to carry out an occasional ceasefire – so as not to lose track and at least so that units operating under the leadership of the Ukrainian army can regroup. This seems indispensable against the backdrop of Russia’s new advances.

“Radicalization” of Russia’s position

But this issue also plays a role in US domestic politics. The intelligence service magazine Foreign Policy is concerned that far-right powers like Twitter boss Elon Musk or Fox moderator Tucker Carlson could spread “Russian propaganda” and thereby make the American public aware of Russia’s point of view. Together with the German Marshal Fund, the magazine examined thousands of social media posts by politicians and found “radicalization” of Russia’s position.

Above all, the high costs and lack of control over US aid have caused a change in the mood for Ukraine. For many US politicians, the Kyiv government’s uncompromising refusal to consider negotiations reflects developments that may be getting a little out of hand.

Frustration about war, India example

Therefore – without exception anonymous – “US officials” tried to moderate Zelenskyj. According to the Washington Post, the Biden administration has personally encouraged Ukrainian leaders to signal their openness to negotiations with Russia. Ukraine should revise its statement that it will not take part in peace talks until Putin is ousted. However, the request of American officials was not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table. Rather, it is a “calculated effort” to gain support from countries that follow Washington’s policy towards Kyiv.

The government in Kyiv must also continue to receive support from countries where voters are reluctant to start a long war. This willingness is low, especially in Europe, Africa and Latin America, because wars due to the energy and food crises also have a negative impact on countries that are geographically far away. There is also frustration in important countries like India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered to mediate during a visit to Kyiv, but this was rejected by Zelenskyj – because one cannot negotiate with the aggressor.

West must “force Russia into genuine peace talks”

Ukraine, meanwhile, reiterated its famous position: Zelenskyj said on Monday that the West should “force Russia to engage in real peace talks”. The Ukrainian president mentioned the conditions for dialogue: the return of all territories occupied by Ukraine, compensation for damage caused by war and prosecution of war crimes.

Despite this tough stance, US officials believe Zelenskyy will support the negotiations and accept concessions. They believe that Kyiv is currently trying to secure as much military success as possible before winter arrives. Then there may be a window for diplomacy.

However, diplomacy can only produce tangible results if there is room for negotiation on both sides. With the incorporation of the Donbass republic as a Russian territory, Moscow has created facts by force of arms, which is why the search for a mutually acceptable solution is likely to prove extremely complex.

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