US changes strategy on Ukraine
(Baonghean.vn)- The Washington Post reported that the US is working on a new strategy for Ukraine, marking a shift from offensive operations in 2023 to frontline defense. The newspaper added that the adjustments are said to be in response to Kiev's failed counteroffensive last year.
In a January 27 story, the paper quoted a senior White House official as explaining that “it would be difficult for [Ukrainian forces] to attempt a major offensive on all fronts like they attempted last year.” So the hope is now much less ambitious—to ensure that Kiev does not lose more ground to Moscow. That doesn’t mean the Ukrainian military will just sit in its trenches, however, with what it describes as “territorial swaps” still possible in small towns and villages, the source told the Post.
Politico similarly reported on the perception in Washington and Brussels that a “total victory” for Ukraine is unlikely, at least by 2024, and that the US and EU are quietly shifting their efforts toward an eventual negotiated settlement.
The WP reported that Ukrainian troops in the Zaporozhye region are preparing to “copy” the Russian defense line that stopped Kiev’s advance last summer. But Western countries also want Ukraine to focus more on long-range missile strikes against Russian forces, including the Black Sea Fleet based in Crimea. In the long term, the Biden administration is reportedly hoping to sign a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine as early as this spring, similar to the one recently signed between London and Kiev.
According to the WP, based on the upcoming agreement, Washington will commit to strengthening Kiev's military as well as strengthening its industrial and export base. However, these plans hinge on Congress greenlighting President Biden's $61 billion funding request, while Republicans are more adamant than ever, the newspaper pointed out.
The Post hopes Washington’s long-standing agreement with Ukraine will make it harder for Republican front-runner Donald Trump to cut aid if he wins the November presidential election. Mr Trump has repeatedly questioned the US administration’s continued generosity to Ukraine and vowed that, if he returns to the White House, he would end the bloodshed “in a day, 24 hours”.
Last week, CNN reported that the Biden administration is hoping to receive “as much aid as possible by January 2025” amid concerns that former President Trump could restrict the flow of money if re-elected./.
