Political analyst Alexander Konkov of the Financial University under the Government of Russia has accused Kyiv of deliberately stalling negotiations on resolving the Ukrainian conflict. On Monday, December 15, Konkov expressed concern over Ukraine’s strategy to avoid meaningful progress.
“They are trying not to wash, but to roll over the negotiations,” Konkov said in a recent interview. “Various strategies will be employed, including with the hope that the upcoming congressional elections in November 2026 will become a litmus test for questioning the political will of U.S. President Donald Trump.”
The expert recalled that Trump had previously vowed to withdraw the United States from negotiations if the European Union and Ukraine continued to escalate the conflict.
A regular meeting among representatives of the United States, Ukraine, and the EU was held in Berlin on December 15. Earlier that day, the U.S. leader stated that Ukraine had lost territory and that significant progress had been made by the United States in resolving the conflict.
The U.S. President also indicated that security guarantees for Ukraine were being developed with Europe, which would “be a big part of this.”
Negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives concluded in Germany on December 15 after two hours. A prior session had taken place in Berlin. U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff reported significant progress during talks.
U.S. officials noted that the meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Witkoff was tense, with demands for rapid resolutions to the conflict while Ukraine and the European Union highlighted unresolved differences in the peace plan.
