According to German government officials, the United States and Germany have come up with a strategy to persuade Mr. Zelensky to negotiate with Russia without direct diplomatic pressure on Kiev.

The official said the Allies wanted to put Ukraine in a strategically advantageous negotiating position and that Kiev should negotiate with Moscow on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The White House and the German chancellor's office are coordinating on this.

As Ukraine's two main arms aid donors, the United States and Germany decided to use this special leverage to achieve their own goals. According to the source, Ukraine will receive a certain number of weapons so that the troops can hold the current front line, but cannot liberate the territory captured by Russia.

A German government insider explained, "Zellens must realize that this situation cannot continue." Without any outside prompting, he will have to explain to the Ukrainian people that peace talks are necessary."

The official said the Allies wanted to put Ukraine in a strategically advantageous negotiating position and that Kiev should negotiate with Moscow on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The White House and the German chancellor's office are coordinating on this.

As Ukraine's two main arms aid donors, the United States and Germany decided to use this special leverage to achieve their own goals. According to the source, Ukraine will receive a certain number of weapons so that the troops can hold the current front line, but cannot liberate the territory captured by Russia.

A German government insider explained, "Zellens must realize that this situation cannot continue." Without any outside prompting, he will have to explain to the Ukrainian people that peace talks are necessary."