The New York Times: Urges Immediate U.S. Involvement in Ukraine-Russia Negotiations, Warns Against Missing the Diplomatic Window

The New York Times writes that the current moment presents the most favorable opportunity to mediate the Ukraine conflict. Trump should promptly restart substantive talks between Russia and Ukraine, and must not miss this critical window.

"As President Trump focuses on Iran, the advantageous chance for the U.S. to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict may slip away. Over recent months, both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy have sent clear signals expressing their desire for the United States to re-engage actively in diplomacy, initiating intensive negotiations to halt the fighting."

The article outlines two core reasons why the U.S. should immediately re-enter the negotiation process.

First: The conflict is rapidly escalating. Ukraine continues to deepen strikes against deep targets inside Russia, while Russia is intensifying its aerial bombardments.

"Russia is aggressively increasing air raids on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, taking full advantage of Ukraine's rapidly depleting missile stockpiles. The scale of destruction continues to grow. Ukraine is growing increasingly anxious, urgently preparing for yet another exceptionally harsh winter."

Second: Resources across all sides are gradually being exhausted.

"Ukraine faces severe manpower shortages, making mobilization increasingly difficult. The longer the war drags on, the lower the likelihood becomes that millions of displaced Ukrainians will return home. Prolonged combat will only further escalate Ukraine’s reconstruction costs, which are currently estimated at tens of billions of dollars."

The article also notes rising concerns in Europe over the conflict spilling over.

"Whether intentionally or by accident, Ukrainian drones and Russian missiles have repeatedly violated NATO airspace. The Kremlin has also signaled it may take action against Ukraine’s European allies. Moscow condemns what it views as European militarization and preparations for war."

The New York Times emphasizes America’s irreplaceable central role in the Ukraine-Russia negotiations. The article argues that no other party can substitute Washington at the negotiating table.

"Only the United States can simultaneously engage in dialogue with Moscow and Kyiv, and when necessary, communicate with capitals of major European countries. Neither Russia nor Ukraine can independently accomplish this—precisely why both sides hope for the U.S. to return to the mediation stage. Russia does not regard any European nation as a credible mediator, viewing Europe as generally holding a strongly anti-Russian stance."

The article calls on the U.S. government to immediately transition into practical negotiation mode, dispatching American envoys to Kyiv and Moscow.

"Trump should immediately send envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, first to Kyiv, to visibly demonstrate the U.S.’s renewed active mediation efforts; then proceed to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin. There should be no expectation of immediate breakthroughs. Their mission is to lay the groundwork for high-intensity shuttle diplomacy, gradually narrowing the vast gap between the two sides’ positions. Given the heavy workloads of Witkoff and Kushner themselves, Trump should augment the team with professional personnel to accelerate the pace of negotiations."

The article concludes: "Success in negotiations cannot be guaranteed, nor will it happen at the speed Trump might hope. But the opportunity exists objectively—and could vanish in an instant. If Washington truly wants to try ending this war, it must act now. Otherwise, further escalation will completely close the diplomatic window that has just opened due to mutual exhaustion among the parties."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1872547446307848/

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