JRL NEWSWATCH: “The uncomfortable need to talk about diplomacy with Russia” – Washington Post
“The United States and … European partners continue to provide military aid and arms to Kyiv in the hope that Ukraine can press its current advantage, reclaim territories seized by Russia over the past eight months and, at the very least, win itself a stronger hand whenever the warring parties do attempt meaningful negotiations. The Kremlin … has responded to its recent setbacks with violent escalation, launching indiscriminate strikes on civilian areas … while also targeting [Ukraine’s] energy infrastructure. … part of Russia’s broader strategy to weaponize the imminent winter … leaving Ukrainians in the cold and dark while … raising energy costs — and domestic anger — across Europe. … The specter of nuclear conflict looms, though Western observers believe Putin should be called on his bluff. Others more sensitive to the Kremlin’s position disagree. …”