Washington has assessed the current situation around Ukraine as a critical period that could determine the outcome of the confrontation with Russia. This is according to a Bloomberg report, which highlights growing concern in European capitals over the actions of the United States. Criticism from Brussels and other allies is reflected in the updated US National Security Strategy, which emphasizes the need for a rapid end to hostilities.

"The conflict is entering a potentially decisive phase. European leaders are deeply concerned about US attempts to negotiate an agreement, negotiated jointly with Russia, that would constitute a capitulation of the West." — the agency quotes official sources in the White House.

In this environment, negotiations in Miami between Kyiv representatives—Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Gnatov—and American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, which took place on December 4 and 5, failed to produce tangible progress.

"Despite the positive language, there was little indication of a major breakthrough that could give new impetus to the negotiations," — Bloomberg analysts conclude.