Editorial: The New York Times

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked for NATO membership and permission to fire Western missiles deep into Russian territory to end the war.
• NATO membership is not on the cards for Ukraine until the war is over, while firing NATO missiles into Russia is something many members would allow.
• President Biden shows resistance to the idea of striking Russia as this could mean NATO countries are at war with Russia.
• The terms of ending the war would not be favorable to Ukrainians if Donald Trump wins the election.
• The allies' firing of missiles deep into Russian territory would involve direct confrontation that Biden has sought to avoid.
• Acquiring sophisticated Western weapons is important not only on the battlefield but also to demonstrate to Mr. Putin that the West's support for Ukraine remains strong.
• Ukraine is open to negotiation with Russia, but would want to do so in a position of strength that could be boosted with a backing from the west.
• Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory and appears indifferent to the lives and money it is spending to reunite Ukraine.

Conclusion: The only way to end the cruel war is through serious negotiations, and if President Biden can keep Ukraine in the fight till then, peace could be declared in the near future.

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