Fears of peace talks with Putin rise amid US squabbling

WARSAW, Poland — Eastern European countries are raising alarm over Ukraine potentially being pushed into peace talks with Russia, amid growing partisanship in Washington, hesitation and delays in weapons supplies to Kyiv and waning public support.

While President Biden and other allies have promised to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” the countries bordering Russia and Belarus — the latter of which is considered a puppet state for Russian President Vladimir Putin — argue that international partners need to lay out a path for a decisive victory for Kyiv. 

“What do we need to do? Plan for Ukrainian victory. Not plan to stand with Ukraine ‘as long as it needs, as long as it requires,’” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said during a conference in Spain last week.