Veteran diplomat Daniel Fried breaks down why the Kremlin is blocking meaningful progress in the Ukraine peace talks. Speaking with Independence Avenue Media, he says that the “Russians have not negotiated at all” and instead are dragging out the process with maximalist demands designed to stall diplomacy. Fried outlines what the United States and Europe must do next, why the ceasefire line matters, and how long-term security guarantees can protect Ukraine from future aggression. He also warns that mixed signals from Washington risk weakening the Western position at a moment when unity is essential. Drawing on decades of experience negotiating with Moscow, Fried assesses the diplomatic road ahead — and the consequences if the West fails to act.
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