“Constructive talks” or a trap? Why fake diplomacy can kill Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner meet with Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council Rustem Umerov and other members of a Ukrainian delegation in Hallandale Beach, Florida, U.S., November 30, 2025. REUTERS/Eva Marie Uzcategui
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The buzz around supposedly “quick and constructive negotiations” only serves to demoralize both Ukrainian society and, sadly, some of our partners. Many cling to the hope that peace is just around the corner, that everything will be resolved, and life will return to normal. But this is, unfortunately, an illusion.
As of today, there are no signs that the war will end.
The reason is simple: the Russian Federation—not just Putin, as some “good Russians” in the West claim, but Russian society as a whole—does not intend to end this war. The Kremlin has not abandoned its goals: the complete destruction or subjugation of the Ukrainian state, the Ukrainian people, and Ukrainian identity. It is an attempt to erase us from the world map and expand its influence to other regions.
Therefore, any expectations that negotiations, agreements, or “promises” from Moscow could bring real peace are not only naïve—they are dangerous.
In my view, this round of “enhanced consultations” is aimed at delaying a decision on reparations using frozen Russian assets, easing energy sanctions, and buying time. All of these objectives serve the Russian side.
Moscow is working systematically to undermine European support for Ukraine. And the United States, unfortunately, often appears not as a mediator, but as a player who—knowingly or not—ends up serving Russian interests.
Today, everything depends on the strength, unity, and capability we can demonstrate together with our European partners. Only this can shift the balance on the chessboard that Putin is arranging with Trump’s tacit approval.
We can change the course of events.
The only question is whether we can muster enough effort even in the face of exhaustion and fatigue.
What exactly is being discussed now—what points, what “red lines,” what scenarios—none of us truly knows. Everything remains behind closed doors.
Yet, one rule is non-negotiable: no one may decide our fate without our consent. And we will not allow anyone to do so.
As a reminder, as part of efforts to resolve the fighting in Ukraine, the American team is considering a “Korean scenario” for ending the war. According to a journalist from
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