“Fight or negotiate.” Ukraine must make fundamental decisions – Blinken

In an interview with MSNBC, he emphasized that the US seeks to provide Ukraine with the strongest position in 2025.

“Ukrainians must make a fundamental decision whether to continue fighting or to negotiate and try to bring it to a ceasefire,” Blinken said.

At the same time, he added that the question is whether Russia is ready to take such a step.

“However, if it comes to that [до переговорів]we want to make sure that the Ukrainians and the Trump administration will be in the best position to conclude the strongest agreement,” the US Secretary of State continued.

He specified that he meant further work to strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield. It is also about continued pressure on Russia.

Blinken stressed that when it comes to a cease-fire, it must be on fair terms and with a long-term perspective.

According to him, it is important not to let Russia rest, rearm and attack again in a year, two or five years.

On December 3, RFE/RL, citing a high-ranking NATO representative who wished to remain anonymous, reported that France and Great Britain are discussing possible options for guaranteeing Ukraine’s security in the event of peace talks with Russia. One of these options is the deployment of troops from both countries along the demarcation line to monitor compliance with the ceasefire.

Earlier, the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that negotiations on achieving lasting peace with Russia will become possible only when it loses the resources to continue the war.

On December 19, the EU’s high representative for foreign policy and security policy, Kaya Callas, said in Brussels that premature negotiations between Russia and Ukraine could lead to a bad deal for Kyiv.