Russia is "doubling down on the annexation of Ukrainian territory," United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, stating that this is "not exactly a sign of seriousness about negotiating" with Ukraine. "As long as Russia holds the position that it simply gets to grab as much territory as it wants by force, it's hard to see them as a good-faith counterparty in a negotiation."
Sullivan also expressed reservations on Russian statements about pulling out of Kherson but said that "it does look as though the Russians have executed this withdrawal and that Ukrainians have won an extraordinary victory." He noted that the Russian retreat also reduces the risk of attacks on Odessa and the Black Sea coastline in the longer term.