Kirby emphasized that from the US point of view only the Ukrainians should decide on negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was not the time to negotiate an agreement with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. “We respect his opinion on this,” Kirby said. “We will focus on him and his troops being successful on the battlefield” – so that Selenski could then also be successful in any negotiations. And Selenski decides when the right time for talks is – as well as what is to be assessed as success and victory and on what terms he wants to negotiate. Meanwhile, Putin could end the war at any time by withdrawing his troops.
In their letter, the Democratic MPs had condemned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and praised the previous US aid for the country, but at the same time suggested that Biden change course. It is necessary to combine support for Ukraine with proactive diplomatic efforts, with efforts “to find a realistic framework for a ceasefire”. It is America’s responsibility to seek a diplomatic solution acceptable to the Ukrainian people. Such a framework could include easing sanctions and security guarantees for a free and independent Ukraine “acceptable to all parties, especially the Ukrainians”.