US-Russian talks offer uncertain path to de-escalation

Significance

The December 7 virtual summit between Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin was an attempt to reduce the risk of imminent conflict. The results, including an agreement to discuss European security, appear to have had some success, but have not led to de-escalation: Moscow shows no sign of pulling back troops massed around Ukraine.

Impacts

• The war risk is not top of the news agenda in Ukraine, and the government seems inclined to downplay it.
• Closer US-NATO alignment will ease European fears but complicate some decisions.
• After engagement further afield, NATO will revert to its core function of assuring security in Europe.