While some Biden administration officials are more open to exploring diplomacy in the Ukraine war, CNN sources say most diplomatic and national security officials are wary of giving Russian President Vladimir Putin any leverage at the negotiating table and believe the Ukrainians should decide when to speak, not yourself. US.

Amid domestic chatter about the war in Ukraine, General Mark Milley, the chief of staff, has made a significant effort in recent weeks to find a diplomatic solution as fighting winds down over the winter.

But Milley’s position did not find broad support among US President Joe Biden’s national security team, including US foreign policy chief Anthony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Neither believes it is time to pressure Ukraine to negotiate, according to two administration officials familiar with the discussion.

The result is a growing debate within the administration over whether Ukraine’s recent successes on the battlefield should prompt renewed efforts to find some sort of negotiated cessation of hostilities, officials said.

Milli’s insistence on a peace deal reached the public in recent days, just as Ukraine captured the city of Kherson. In a speech at the Economic Club of New York on Wednesday, Milli praised Ukraine’s military for fighting Russia until it reached a stalemate, but said total military victory was impossible.

“When there is an opportunity to negotiate, when peace can be achieved, take advantage of it. Seize the moment, Milly said.

His comments did not surprise administration officials — given Milley’s support for the position domestically — but also raised concerns among some that the administration appears divided in the eyes of the Kremlin.

“It depends on the Ukrainians. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” President Biden said at a press conference on Wednesday when asked about the potential for negotiations.