New US strategy of Ukraine aid does not focus on liberating territories in 2024 – WP
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Biden's administration is pushing a new strategy to help Ukraine, focused on repelling new Russian offensives and strengthening the armed forces rather than liberating captured territories in 2024, WP reports.
The US plans are part of a multilateral effort by nearly three dozen countries supporting Ukraine.
They promise long-term security and economic support for Ukraine, both out of necessity, given "the disappointing results of last year's counteroffensive and the belief that a similar effort this year is likely to yield the same result, and as a demonstration of unwavering resolve to Russian President Vladimir Putin."
Each side is preparing a document outlining its specific commitments for up to ten years in the future.
Washington is also developing "a new strategy that will not focus on regaining territory, but rather on helping Ukraine repel new Russian offensives while moving toward the long-term goal of strengthening Ukraine's military and economy."
The idea is to position Ukraine as still holding its ground on the battlefield. However, "to put them on a different trajectory to be much stronger by the end of 2024… and put them on a more sustainable path."
Yet, the success of such a strategy depends almost entirely on the United States, which is currently the largest Ukraine aid provider and a coordinator of multilateral efforts.
According to WP, the administration hopes to release its own 10-year commitment, which the State Department and the White House will draft if President Biden's request for $61 billion in additional funding for Ukraine is approved by Congress.
The shaky ground is worrying both Western allies and Ukraine, as Republicans seem to be digging deeper and deeper in their refusal to provide the money.
The document will guarantee support for short-term military operations and the development of future Ukrainian forces capable of deterring Russian aggression.
Not coincidentally, according to the US official, the hope is that the long-term pledge – again, subject to congressional support – will also be "promising" assistance for Ukraine in the event that former President Donald Trump is re-elected for a second term.
The West hopes that in 2024, Ukraine will not lose more territory than one-fifth which Russia currently holds.
Western governments want Kyiv to focus on the tactics of long-range shelling that have proven its success.
The US assistance document consists of four phases: fight, build, rebuild, and reform.
The plan also calls for additional air defense to create protective "bubbles" around Ukrainian cities outside of Kyiv and Odesa, allowing key sectors of the Ukrainian economy to recover.
