High-level talks offer a potential path to ending the Russia-Ukraine war, with a peace deal possibly requiring Ukraine to cede some territory and Russia to accept the remainder as a NATO-protected entity. While Kyiv seeks Western military backing and a treaty pledge, Moscow appears intent on annexing parts of eastern Ukraine. A workable deal may necessitate flexibility from both sides, potentially involving NATO's commitment to non-expansion and Ukraine ceding land for a truce, aiming to prevent further bloodshed.