The decision on how and when to end the Russia-Ukraine war should be made by the Ukrainians themselves, stated U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In an interview with the New York Times, when asked whether Ukraine would have to concede occupied territories to Russia, he asserted that Kyiv will always claim these lands. However, it remains unclear if Ukraine can regain them.
Ukraine's claims to this territory will always exist. The question is whether they will find ways, with the support of others, to reclaim the lost territory. It is unlikely that Putin will abandon his ambitions.
The decision on whether to end the war with Russia and under what conditions should be made by the Ukrainians themselves; they must determine their future and how to achieve it.
According to Blinken, in the near future, the front line "is unlikely to shift significantly," but for a ceasefire—if one can be negotiated—to be truly solid, it is critical to have confidence that Ukraine can repel "new aggression" in the future.
This can be achieved in various ways. NATO can provide this support, and we have placed Ukraine on the path to NATO membership.
It could also come through security guarantees, commitments, and assurances from various countries to make it clear to Russia that it would face severe consequences in the event of renewed aggression.
As Blinken noted, the main goal has been achieved: "Ukraine still exists, even though Russia attempted to destroy it."
Putin has failed. Ukraine is holding strong. And I believe it has exceptional potential not only to survive but to thrive in the future.
This depends on the decisions made by the future U.S. administration and many other countries.
Discussing the prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, Blinken remarked that under Biden, the U.S. government has actively sought this.
If there were any opportunity for diplomatic engagement to end the war on fair and lasting terms, we would be the first to seize it. Unfortunately, at least up to this point, we have not seen any signs that Russia is genuinely ready for engagement.
"I hope that this will change," said the Secretary of State.
At the end of 2024, the British newspaper Financial Times predicted that in 2025, Ukraine and Russia would sign a peace agreement in which Kyiv would agree to "de facto, but not legal" control of Moscow over the occupied territories.