The fact that the American government has not published its response to the Russian proposals for a new security architecture in Europe shows how serious it is.
Diplomatic negotiations are usually conducted confidentially, and Moscow is well aware of that.
Putin, however, had his two draft treaties with the US and NATO posted on the Internet, raising the question of whether he is even interested in serious talks.
The excessiveness of his demands also fuels the suspicion that perhaps he just wanted to show that the West is not addressing Russian concerns.
A reasonable offer
If Putin wants to negotiate, now is the time.
Based on what the Americans have said publicly, their answer essentially corresponds to what the Kremlin has been hearing from Washington and the Alliance for weeks: NATO does not allow itself to be interfered with in questions of its membership, but is willing to build confidence and arms control.
It's a reasonable offer that could resolve many of the military tensions that have arisen not just over Ukraine.
Putin's claim to power over Eastern Europe, on the other hand, cannot be enforced.
The sooner the Kremlin realizes this, the better it would be for everyone involved.
Above all, it would be fair to Ukrainians, who should not be paying for the post-imperial phantom pains of a former KGB man.