The administration of US President Joe Biden is working on a long-term strategy to support Kyiv, which will reduce the emphasis on the de-occupation of territories and focus on helping to repel new Russian offensives, in particular on strengthening the Armed Forces and the economy of Ukraine. It is reported The Washington Post
The plan is a stark contrast to last year, when the US and allies sent trainers and advanced equipment, hoping it would help quickly push back Russian forces.
Currently, the idea is for Ukraine to maintain its position on the battlefield, but become much stronger by the end of 2024.
The U.S. plans are part of a multilateral effort by nearly three dozen countries that have backed Ukraine, promising it long-term security and economic support — as if out of necessity, given the "disappointing results of last year's counteroffensive and the belief that a similar effort this year is likely to produce the same result." , as well as a demonstration of Russian President Vladimir Putin's steadfast determination."
Each party prepares a document that sets out its specific obligations for a period of up to ten years in the future. As an example, WP recalled the agreement between Britain and Ukraine, which provides for contributions to "maritime security, airspace, air defense, artillery and armored vehicles", as well as fiscal support and access to its financial sector. The next agreement is also expected to be signed with French President Emmanuel Macron.
"This spring, the administration hopes to release its own 10-year commitment, which the State Department is currently working on with the blessing of the White House — provided President Biden's request for $61 billion in additional funding for Ukraine is approved by an intransigent Congress," — writes the publication.
As American officials said, the document will guarantee:
— support of short-term military operations;
— development of the future Ukrainian Armed Forces capable of deterring Russian aggression;
— will contain specific promises and programs that will help protect, restore and expand the industrial and export base of Ukraine;
— promises that will facilitate the implementation of political reforms necessary for full integration into Western institutions.
In particular, the aid is expected to become promising even if Donald Trump wins his re-election campaign for a second term.
At the same time, it is noted that the strategy will not consist only in "building defensive trenches".
The West hopes that in 2024 Ukraine will not lose territory, and Kyiv will focus on the tactics in which its troops have recently achieved greater success:
— shelling at long distances, in particular by French cruise missiles;
— containment of the Russian Black Sea Fleet to protect sea transit from Ukrainian ports;
— tying up Russian forces in Crimea with the help of missile strikes and sabotage special operations.
Negotiations with Russia
American politicians expect talks between Ukraine and Russia eventually, but do not expect Putin to be open to dialogue this year, as he is counting on Trump to win the upcoming presidential election and reduce aid to Ukraine.
Trump, who has long claimed a special relationship with Putin, said a few months ago that if he returned to the White House, he would "solve this war in one day, in 24 hours." In a televised interview last week, Zelensky called the statement "very dangerous" and invited Trump to Kyiv to share any plan he might have. adds WP.
To always be aware of the most important things, read us at Telegram
