But Ukraine and the EU haven't actually made any concessions at all. There is no mineral deal -- yesterday they merely agreed that they will try to negotiate a mineral deal. And the EU hasn't raised defense spending out of any agreement or concession with or to the US -- they're talking about raising spending because the US seems to be pulling out, because of the absence of a deal.
> It's much better to go into a peace negotiation suggesting you're willing, than to block any talks at all.
Why? They've made it clear that they're willing provided Ukraine makes a bunch of concessions that Ukraine won't make. This is asking for an unconditional ceasefire, which Russia has been clear for years is off the table. And it would disadvantage them militarily. They have no reason to change their position -- for them, peace talks require preconditions, and Ukraine (rightly) rejects all of them.