International Officials Discuss Peace Negotiations with Ukraine as EU Delays Delivery of Artillery Shells

U.S. and European officials have initiated discussions with Ukraine about potential peace negotiations with Russia to end the ongoing war. The talks have explored broad outlines of what Ukraine might need to concede for a deal. Concerns about the war reaching a stalemate, Ukraine's depleting forces, and the waning public support for aid have prompted these discussions. The Biden administration has expressed worries that Ukraine is running out of forces while Russia has an endless supply. Officials believe that urgent discussions about peace negotiations may need to begin by the end of the year. However, there is no indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate. The U.S. has spent $43.9 billion on security assistance for Ukraine since 2022, with approximately $5 billion remaining. Public support for sending additional aid to Ukraine is slipping, both in the U.S. and Europe. NATO could offer security guarantees to Ukraine as an incentive for negotiations.