Former NATO chief for Europe Stavridis says Ukraine and Russia may start talks by end of 2024

The Hill reports.

“I think toward the end of this year, probably after the U.S. elections, we’ve got a moment for potential negotiation,” Stavridis said.

According to Stavridis, despite the fact that both sides are facing problems, Ukraine and Russia are receiving assistance from external sources, but this is likely to delay any potential agreement.

At the same time, Stavridis noted that he believes that the war between Ukraine and Russia will end “like the Korean War, meaning that Russia will probably still have control of some portion of Ukraine, Crimea, the land bridge to Russia.”

“On the other hand, I see Ukraine coming into NATO,” Stavridis continued. “I think the outline of that deal will probably become more clear as this year goes on.”

In addition, last month, Stavridis made a plea for more aid to Ukraine and called the Eastern European country's case "just."

 “It’s a very dangerous situation and here, the real action is actually not in Kyiv. The real action is in Washington,” Stavridis said. “We’ve got to provide the military support to Ukraine. Their cause is just.”

• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that it would be a good idea to invite Ukraine to become a full member of the Alliance at some point.