[dabigv13]

I think stalemate is only really an acceptable end state for Ukraine if there are NATO boots on the ground or some sort of path into NATO. Before Bucha, Zelensky was open to negotiations, but now I think the consensus in the Ukrainian populace is a ceasefire is only time for Russia to re-arm and prepare for further offensives and their attendant atrocities.

Macron today talked about deploying French troops to Ukraine, possibly in near future. Perhaps something like that will be necessary for any negotiated settlement to be something Ukraine can live with.

[dabigv13]

I think stalemate is only really an acceptable end state for Ukraine if there are NATO boots on the ground or some sort of path into NATO. Before Bucha, Zelensky was open to negotiations, but now I think the consensus in the Ukrainian populace is a ceasefire is only time for Russia to re-arm and prepare for further offensives and their attendant atrocities.

Macron today talked about deploying French troops to Ukraine, possibly in near future. Perhaps something like that will be necessary for any negotiated settlement to be something Ukraine can live with.