The U.S. and other backers say that only Ukraine can decide when the moment is right for Kyiv to enter peace negotiations. But that orthodoxy is being challenged in the U.S. by figures such as Trump and fellow GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who wants to cede Ukrainian territory to Putin as part of a proposal to break the Russia-China alliance.

But for Poland and the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, engaging Putin for talks is a red line. And they say Ukraine’s supporters must prepare for scenarios where Putin is isolated completely.

One Baltic official, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, told The Hill that Baltic states are concerned that pushing Ukraine into negotiations will have dangerous ripple effects throughout the region.

Many Europeans, especially eastern Europeans, want a victory/peace negotiation on Ukraine’s terms, because they view Russia to be a threat beyond Ukraine if Putin wins.