The article "Ukraine's Only Hope: Diplomacy + Neutrality" by John Mearsheimer discusses the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Mearsheimer argues that the best strategy for Ukraine and the West is to pursue diplomacy and neutrality, as military victory is unlikely and could lead to further escalation. He emphasizes that Ukraine's only hope lies in a negotiated settlement that addresses its security concerns while also considering Russia's interests. The article highlights the need for a neutral Ukraine, which would renounce its NATO aspirations and not host NATO forces on its territory, in exchange for multilateral security guarantees and the possibility of EU membership[1][2][3].

Sources [1] Ukraine's Only Hope: Diplomacy + Neutrality https://mearsheimer.substack.com/p/ukraines-only-hope-diplomacy-neutrality?r=2jojiv&triedRedirect=true [2] The Talks That Could Have Ended the War in Ukraine - Foreign Affairs https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/talks-could-have-ended-war-ukraine [3] The Diplomatic Path to a Secure Ukraine https://quincyinst.org/research/the-diplomatic-path-to-a-secure-ukraine/ [4] What should Ukraine do next? - by Lawrence Freedman https://samf.substack.com/p/what-should-ukraine-do-next [5] Escalation, Red Lines, Risk and the Russo-Ukraine War https://samf.substack.com/p/escalation-red-lines-risk-and-the [6] Ukraine's Only Hope: Diplomacy + Neutrality - John's Substack https://mearsheimer.substack.com/p/ukraines-only-hope-diplomacy-neutrality