The US recognizes that it cannot force Russia to change its stance on Ukraine.

Mr. Kurt Volker, US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine. Photo: George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

"What we have not been able to do is force Russia to change its position," Mr. Volker said, speaking at the Center for European Policy Analysis Forum. "Russia still believes that it has an interest in being there," he said.

"We have tried to demonstrate that Russia cannot achieve its main strategic goals, and the best way to achieve that goal is to get out of the conflict, but they are not ready for this," said the US State Department's special representative for Ukraine.