Abstract. By the summer of 2022, the armed conflict between Moscow and Kiev turned into a positional confrontation mode. In an effort to reverse the situation in favor of Ukraine in order to force Russia to actually surrender, the United States relied on the preparation and implementation of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. However, contrary to expectations, all the efforts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine aimed at breaking through the Russian defense turned out to be fruitless. And although Ukrainians do not give up desperate attempts to achieve at least some result, it is already obvious that the strategic objectives of the “general offensive” will not be fulfilled. In this regard, the main question is: in which direction the conflict will develop further towards further escalation or attempts will be made at a political settlement. Apparently, Washington is inclined to continue military operations hoping to increase the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian army and continue the offensive operation in the spring of 2024. This is evidenced by the provision of new packages of military assistance to Ukraine, including the supply of even more destructive weapons. As for the negotiation process, neither side of the conflict is ready for it yet. The demanding positions of the participants in the confrontation are so far from each other that at present they see the only way to achieve their goals as a military solution that means victory on the battlefield.