US NATO envoy: “The ball is in Russia’s court” on Ukraine negotiations

US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker has said that the main challenge in negotiations on Ukraine is determining the extent of concessions Russia is prepared to make, stressing that the next move lies with Moscow.

Speaking to Fox News, Whitaker said Washington clearly understands Kyiv’s position, adding that “the ball is currently in the court of the Russians”.

“We are trying to find out what the maximum that Russia is willing to do,” he noted.

According to the diplomat, discussions are currently centred on four key documents: a 20-point peace plan, a framework for multilateral security guarantees for Ukraine, separate security guarantees from the United States, and a post-conflict economic recovery plan.

Talks between the United States and Ukraine took place in Miami on December 19–20. On December 20–21, the US side also held meetings with Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that both Moscow and Kyiv are focused on bringing an end to the hostilities.

By Vugar Khalilov