NATO sees no evidence that Crimea's fate might be decided through negotiations

NATO considers it possible that Crimea’s fate might be decided diplomatically, but has so far seen no evidence that Russia is prepared to negotiate.

Source: European Pravda, citing an unnamed NATO official during a press conference in Vilnius

Details: Russia has been preparing to defend Crimea for many months, digging trenches and amassing aircraft and other military equipment.

"These preparations clearly suggest that the Russians are expecting a future attack on Crimea," the official said.

"I hope that there is always a chance of diplomacy working. But I currently see no evidence that Russia is open to any sort of negotiations. That’s why it’s so important for the Ukrainian offensive to succeed," he added.

He also stressed that Crimea was Ukraine, and that Ukraine’s goal, as set out by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and supported by his NATO allies, is to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including returning Crimea under its control.

The official also said that all wars always end at the negotiating table.

Previously: In late June, UK Defence Intelligence reported that the Russian Federation had begun to create defensive lines near Perekop, apparently preparing for a scenario where the Ukrainian military will try to enter Crimea.

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