Ukraine, Russia and Europe Prepare for Negotiations in Minsk

Before Russian President Vladimir Putin sits down with his Ukrainian counterpart in Minsk on Aug. 26, he will use the Ukrainian battlefield to shape the terms of the negotiations. Defying Kiev and much of the West, Russia has given the green light for a humanitarian convoy to cross into Ukraine to reach the besieged city of Luhansk without the consent of the Ukrainian government. The controversial decision demands a response from Kiev, but with German Chancellor Angela Merkel searching for a compromise to lighten sanctions on Russia, Kiev's doubts over Europe's commitment to its fight will compel it to look to the United States for support in the negotiations.

Washington will not be officially involved in this round of talks, however, giving Brussels and Moscow space to exact concessions from Kiev if they so choose. As for the negotiations themselves, the focus will likely be on each side's short-term goals, with long-term and more complex questions being saved for later.