NBC News: US, EU secretly discussing peace talks with Ukraine
According to the TV channel's sources, Ukraine is likely to have until the end of 2023
The United States and the European Union are discussing with Ukraine the possibility of sitting down with Russia.
Source. This was reported by NBC News, citing its sources.
In particular, it is about what Kyiv will have to give up to reach an agreement to end hostilities.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Ukraine likely has only until the end of 2023 before "more urgent discussions on peace talks" begin.
According to NBC News, Ukraine is being offered some NATO security guarantees, even without officially joining the alliance.
A former senior White House official told the channel that Ukraine may want more time to fight, especially as it receives the heavy equipment promised by the West, but "there is a growing sense that it's too late and it's time to make a deal."
It is not certain that Ukraine will launch another spring offensive.
Officials called the discussion difficult. It began back in October, during a meeting of the contact group on Ukraine's defense, amid concerns among Western allies that the war had "reached a stalemate" and that it was becoming more difficult to continue to assist Kyiv.
The Biden administration is concerned that Ukraine is running out of mobilization resources, with almost exhausted reserves, while Russia's "seemingly endless" are, the sources explain.
The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which has reduced public attention to the Russian invasion, may also complicate the transfer of additional aid to Kyiv. If Ukraine does not make significant progress on the frontline by the end of the year or later, calls for talks with Moscow should increase, the sources said.
White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson told NBC that any decisions on the talks should be made by Ukraine. According to her, the US is focused on continuing to support Ukraine.
The day before, on November 3, the Pentagon announced that the United States would send $125 million worth of weapons to Ukraine. The aid package includes: shells for the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, Javelin anti-tank systems; more than 3 million rounds of ammunition and grenades, etc.
In addition, the US Department of Defense will sign contracts for the production of ammunition for the Armed Forces worth $300 million.
In turn, White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said at a briefing that Washington is reducing the volume of military aid packages to Ukraine because the Pentagon's stockpile needs to be stretched as long as possible.
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