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James O'Brien, U.S. State Department Representative: Negotiations at the end of the war currently "pointless"

Photo: Sarah Silbiger / REUTERS

The U.S. government considers negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war to be "pointless" at this stage. We don't see any signs that Russia is ready to engage in substantive, genuine peace negotiations," James O'Brien, a U.S. State Department representative for European and Eurasian affairs, said Monday. It seems that Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is talking about "waiting at least another year or more before considering ending this war."

Therefore, it would be "pointless" for Ukraine to hold such talks with Russia, the O'Brien continued. It would then not be a normal dialogue, but a "capitulation monologue". For the government, it is still important not to decide anything over Ukraine's head.

Earlier, there were reports that the US government, among others, had secretly begun to talk to Ukraine about possible peace negotiations with Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the beginning of November that he would not be pressured to start negotiations with Russia to end the war.

U.S. pledges support

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that the U.S. continues to support Ukraine in defending itself against Russia's war of aggression, even though a lot of attention is currently focused on the war between Israel and Hamas.

Last week, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also pledged US solidarity during an unannounced visit to Kyiv. "The United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in its fight for freedom against the Russian aggressors, today and in the future," Austin said after his meeting with Zelensky. Ukraine's efforts to repel the Russian invasion are "significant for the rest of the world."

No other country has helped Ukraine with such large arms deliveries as the United States. However, the continuation of the aid is controversial in the US Congress. President Joe Biden's administration is currently struggling to release the funds.

czl/dpa/Reuters