The outlines of a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine are coming into focus, but sources on the Ukrainian side tell Axios they fear Moscow's newfound enthusiasm for diplomacy is a ruse.<\/p>\n
Why it matters: Kyiv has gained unexpected leverage by withstanding the Russian advance for three weeks, though the humanitarian crisis is deepening daily as Russia shells major cities.<\/p>\n
Driving the news: After Zelensky said Ukraine wouldnt be invited into NATO, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that Ukraine's post-war \"neutrality\" could be based on the Austrian or Swedish models.<\/p>\n
Both are non-NATO members in the EU and firmly anchored in the West.<\/p>\n
What they're saying: An adviser to Zelensky told Axios he believes the Russians aren't yet serious about reaching a deal, though one could be reached in the next few weeks if the West and Ukrainian forces continue to pile pressure on Putin.<\/p>\n
The U.S. view is similar. While the White House had avoided high-level dialogue with Russia on the grounds that Moscow wasn't genuinely interested in diplomacy, national security adviser Jake Sullivan did speak to his Russian counterpart on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
On the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that the text of a potential deal is close to being agreed to.<\/p>\n
What to watch: Military analysts have warned that Putin might soon seek a ceasefire to resupply his troops without any intention of ending the war altogether.<\/p>\n
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See the original post:<\/p>\n
Ukrainians fear Russia diplomacy progress is a head fake - Axios<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The outlines of a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine are coming into focus, but sources on the Ukrainian side tell Axios they fear Moscow's newfound enthusiasm for diplomacy is a ruse. Why it matters: Kyiv has gained unexpected leverage by withstanding the Russian advance for three weeks, though the humanitarian crisis is deepening daily as Russia shells major cities. Driving the news: After Zelensky said Ukraine wouldnt be invited into NATO, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that Ukraine's post-war \"neutrality\" could be based on the Austrian or Swedish models Continue reading