"Russia's Backchannel Signals for Ukraine Negotiations Met with U.S. Skepticism"

Russia has reportedly signaled its readiness for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, including discussions on future security guarantees for Ukraine, through unofficial channels to the U.S., but American officials remain skeptical. Russian President Vladimir Putin may be open to dropping his demand for Ukrainian neutrality in exchange for recognition of occupied regions as Russian territory. However, U.S. officials have expressed doubt about Russia's sincerity in seeking serious talks, while Ukraine maintains that the decision to negotiate with Russia will be its own.