Support for Ukraine so far has been better than anticipated, but public opinion on the war is getting divided over the period. Facing domestic opposition, political leaders could find it convenient to end the conflict. Others would be pleased to return to business-as-usual: cheap Russian gas and an end to sanctions.

The major worry for Ukrainians; “How long will Western political and military support critical for its fight against Russia will continue?” Meanwhile, Hungary’s pro-Russian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose country holds the EU’s rotating presidency recently angered other EU leaders by holding meetings with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi also visited Hungary this year.

Ukraine faces new perils. Not because of anything happening on the battlefield, but leadership changes may force Ukraine to the negotiating table with Russia. According to news reports, former senior US officials met with Russia’s foreign minister to discuss potential talks to end the Ukraine war. The White House and State Department said the Biden administration did not sanction or support the secret meetings!

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was seen with his Chinese counterpart in Guangzhou-China. Kuleba stating “Ukraine is willing and prepared to conduct dialogue and negotiations with Russia.” So, on whose behest did Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba go to China? Perceptions of a stalemate lend weight to those who have suggested from early on that the war can be ended only by negotiations. But why now? And could China help end the war? Will US allow China to have a lead role in the negotiations, if they are to take place? Ukraine, on the other hand, knows what negotiations with Russia will lead to. Past experience has........

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