War by Proxy in Ukraine: A Long Game of Deterrence and Denial The latest flurry of diplomatic activity surrounding the war in Ukraine has many observers focusing on the talks between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
These high level meetings are a significant development, but they represent just one aspect of a complex conflict.
Putin's regime has been engaging in "frank" and "constructive" talks with the US envoys while continuing to escalate military action on the ground.