According to an anonymous US Department of State official cited by Reuters and European Pravda, Washington is convinced that President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine before the November 2024 US presidential elections.
The focus remains on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the potential impact of the upcoming US presidential elections on a truce in Ukraine
After a meeting of foreign ministers from NATO member countries in Brussels, the official, speaking at a briefing, emphasized the Alliance’s continued support for Ukraine, acknowledging the slim prospects of a peace agreement next year. The official expressed the expectation that President Vladimir Putin would not engage in meaningful peace discussions until the outcome of the US election is clear, noting that this sentiment is widely shared among allies.
There is growing concern that a potential return of former President Donald Trump to the White House could weaken Western support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Although the anonymous State Department representative did not mention Trump by name, they highlighted the context in which allies expressed strong support for Ukraine.
Germany and the US are seeking to pressure Ukraine into negotiations with President Vladimir Putin by using restrictions on weapon supplies as leverage
The alleged plan suggests freezing the war and establishing a new quasi-border between Ukraine and Russia along the contact line. However, both Germany and the US have refuted these claims, denying any secret plan and emphasizing their commitment to supporting Ukraine.
In early November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that no external pressure is influencing Kyiv to engage in negotiations with Russia, countering speculation about coercive tactics. The situation continues to evolve as international actors navigate the complex dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict against the backdrop of the upcoming US elections.