The United States has offered Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO Articles 4 and 5 and is discussing with Russia the renewal of the NATO-Russia Council, PBS journalist Nick Shifrin reported.
According to his source, the negotiations will focus on two main areas: security guarantees for Ukraine after the war and territorial issues.
The official acknowledged European countries' concerns about Russia's previous demands, which in particular provided for the withdrawal of NATO forces from the alliance's eastern flank.
At the same time, he stated that the next step should be the full involvement of Europe in the negotiation process.
"To end the war, Europe must be at the negotiating table," emphasized the US representative.
"We need much more discussions with Russia, with European participation," he added.
Both sides have privately shown "some flexibility," the U.S. official said.
He did not reveal details, but noted that Russia has made it clear that it wants to find a way to end the war.
Among the specific ideas discussed by Washington:
- The United States discussed with Russia the possibility of providing Ukraine with an agreement similar to Articles 4 and 5 of NATO.
- One of the ideas that can promote dialogue between Europe and Russia is the renewal of the work of the Russia-NATO Council. This mechanism ensured official meetings between representatives of the alliance and Russia, but its activity was suspended in 2022.
- Another proposal stipulates the inclusion in the agreement of a mechanism for the automatic return of the sanctions against Russia if they are removed. According to Washington, this could be part of a package of incentives for Moscow aimed at maintaining the ceasefire.