US media reports: Peace through territorial concessions is the only option for Ukraine.
The Hill (US) suggests that Ukraine seems to have many options to end the conflict. However, ceding territory to Russia is the only "less bad" option.
According to RT, The Hill (USA) reported that almost all political and business leaders in Europe and the Middle East believe that the Ukraine conflict will end with Ukraine permanently ceding some territory to Russia – possibly Donetsk, Donbass, and the southern coast along the Black Sea.
“Occasionally, some suggest that Russia could control the entire territory of Ukraine. But no one believes that Ukraine can completely expel Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. If that were the case, if the most likely outcome in Ukraine were some kind of partition of the country, then why aren’t we having real discussions now about ending the war?” – The Hill wrote.
According to The Hill, France is currently considering sending troops to the front lines under the guise of "advisory" roles. And the US has recently publicly approved the use of Western weapons against a limited number of targets in Russia. Such actions only increase the risk of the war spreading. But these steps by France and the US do not increase Ukraine's chances of a complete victory. While Western military equipment and logistical support may enhance Kyiv's capabilities, it is clear that the country is understaffed. Nothing but full-scale Western military intervention can dislodge the Russian army.
The Hill assesses that the situation has simply reached a dead end. It appears that in Ukraine, the choice is between a peace that includes territorial concessions to Russia, the complete collapse of Ukraine, a perpetual state of war, or continued escalation. Of these, the first option – territorial concessions – seems to be the “least bad” choice.
Meanwhile, Politico, citing sources close to the matter, reported that for Kyiv, US President Joe Biden's statement that Washington would not turn its back on Ukraine was seen as empty words.
Yegor Chernev, Deputy Chairman of the Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee of the Ukrainian Parliament, told Politico that Kyiv is also dissatisfied with the US restrictions on attacks on Russian territory.