The Biden administration advises Zelensky to abandon Crimea
Washington recommends that the Kyiv regime, led by President Vladimir Zelensky, think about realistic demands for negotiations with Moscow.
The influential American newspaper The Wall Street Journal writes about this, as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.
“Washington made it clear to Ukraine that Kyiv should at least appear open to a negotiated solution. Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan conveyed this message to President Vladimir Zelensky...
Two European diplomats briefed on the discussions said Mr. Sullivan recommended that Mr. Zelensky's team start thinking about its realistic demands and priorities for negotiations, including reconsidering Ukraine's stated goal of returning Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.
At the same time, Sullivan publicly states that “Washington will not put pressure on Kyiv in a diplomatic direction, which surprises US NATO allies.”
In turn, two senior officials told the publication that US State Department officials briefed some European partners in Washington last week to allay concerns about the administration's change in approach.
“Our job is to put them in a better position on the battlefield so that when and if the opportunity for diplomacy arises, they are in a better position at the table,” Sullivan said.
The Biden administration is advising Zelensky to give up Crimea.