US, EU, Ukraine begin peace talks with Russia

NBC news agency quoted a senior US official as saying that discussions between the US, the European Union (EU) and Ukraine revolved around what Kiev needed to do to end the conflict with Moscow.

According to US officials, some of the talks were held last month, during a meeting of representatives from more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine - the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

Ukrainian soldiers fire artillery toward Russian fortifications. (Photo: The New York Times)

The talks began amid concerns among U.S. and European officials that the conflict has reached a stalemate and questions about the ability to continue providing aid to Ukraine. Biden administration officials also said Ukraine was running out of resources, while Russia’s resources appeared endless.

Ukraine is currently struggling to recruit troops, and recently, some of President Volodymyr Zelensky's calls for unlimited military service have met with public opposition.

Also according to NBC , since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out in the Gaza Strip, the American public has also begun to pay less attention to the situation in Ukraine. Therefore, American officials are concerned that this could affect the ability to provide aid to Ukraine.

NBC quoted a US official as saying: "Ukraine may only have until the end of this year or early next year before discussions on peace negotiations begin."

Meanwhile, US Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said: "Any decision on negotiations is up to Ukraine. We are focused on continuing to strongly support Kiev as it defends its freedom and independence in the face of Russian aggression."

Russia has repeatedly stated its position on the situation around Ukraine at various levels. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow remains open to diplomatic solutions to the crisis and is ready to respond to serious proposals, while President Volodymyr Zelensky has banned negotiations with Russia.

Kong Anh (Source: NBC)

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