Media: NATO eyes diplomatic solution as Ukraine struggles to hold ground

Ukraine’s allies appear to be adjusting their strategy in the ongoing conflict, prioritizing positioning President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to counter Russian advances or negotiate a ceasefire rather than seeking outright military victory, sources say.

This recalibration reflects mounting challenges on the battlefield and growing concerns over sustaining long-term support for the nearly three-year war, Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg.

Currently, NATO is intensifying efforts to deliver more weapons to Ukraine as its forces face incremental losses. "We must provide enough support to change the trajectory of this war once and for all," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized during a recent meeting in Brussels. He acknowledged the need to reverse the westward shift of the frontline, underlining, “We must do more than just keep Ukraine in the fight.”

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no interest in discussing a ceasefire, speculation about a potential shift in US policy under a second Donald Trump administration has further galvanized NATO allies to explore diplomatic pathways.

European leaders are increasingly engaging in private discussions about possible negotiated outcomes, including security guarantees for Ukraine and the establishment of a demilitarized zone. “European troops would probably secure and patrol it,” a senior NATO diplomat suggested.

Zelenskyy has subtly indicated openness to a diplomatic solution, hinting at the possibility of an armistice that leaves parts of eastern Ukraine under Russian control. In recent interviews, he acknowledged the difficulty of fully reclaiming Russian-occupied territory through military means. Polls suggest a majority of Ukrainians would tolerate such an outcome.

“Zelenskyy’s acknowledgment that Ukraine won’t be able to liberate all Russian-occupied territory militarily is more than a recognition of reality,” observed Lucian Kim of the International Crisis Group. “It is also an opening to future peace efforts by a second Trump administration.”

The discussions underscore a broader recognition among NATO allies that the conflict is becoming unsustainable and that negotiations may soon be unavoidable. However, political sensitivities persist. "Changing the trajectory means that Ukraine must be in a position of strength when it comes to potential talks," Rutte added, reinforcing NATO's immediate goal of bolstering Kyiv’s defences.

Zelenskyy’s key demand is for NATO to provide security guarantees over the territory still under Ukrainian control, leaving open the possibility of reclaiming additional regions through diplomacy. While no formal agreement has been reached, these deliberations mark a significant shift in how NATO envisions the future of the conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev