“The United States insists on a defensive strategy in Ukraine rather than regaining the territories it seized.”

Ukraine must choose a defensive strategy aimed at repelling Russian attacks on the territory it controls, that is, about 80% of the total Ukrainian territory. In addition, it must attack Russian targets with drones and missiles, according to anonymous sources Washington Post.

Last year, the Americans hoped to launch an attack that would allow Ukraine to reclaim much of the country, especially in the east. However, this attack did not lead to a breakthrough. “It is clear that it will be difficult for them to carry out such major attacks on all fronts again,” a US official said in a statement. Washington Post. Russia has become stronger, partly due to arms supplies from North Korea and Iran, while Western support for Ukraine is uncertain.

Support package is uncertain

Support from the United States is crucial, but Republicans in Congress are still reluctant to approve a $61 billion package. “We will not be able to survive without the help of the United States, this is a fact,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a television interview last week.

The US government is now preparing a ten-year aid package that will give Ukraine more security in the long term. However, political support for this is highly uncertain, especially if Donald Trump wins the US presidential election in November. Trump enjoys good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and said he would end the war “within 24 hours.”

Next Thursday, European Union government leaders are scheduled to discuss a support package for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros over four years. However, the package is at risk of being vetoed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Last week, Hungary behaved in such a rebellious manner that other member states threatened the “nuclear option,” triggering the so-called Article 7 that would strip Hungary of voting rights in the EU.

“War of the New Phase”

Officially, the war goal of Ukraine and its Western allies is to reclaim all of Ukrainian territory. Recently, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine continues to pursue an offensive strategy in order not to leave the initiative to the enemy. But according to Washington Post He is said to have questioned his country's offensive capabilities in private conversations with American officials, especially now that American support is uncertain. In December, Zelensky ordered the reinforcement of front lines to prevent Russian attacks. He spoke at the time about a “new phase” in the war.

Estonia, one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters, also favors a defensive strategy. In 2024, Ukraine should mobilize forces and strengthen its positions, the Estonian Ministry of Defense wrote in a discussion paper at the end of 2023. It will only be possible to launch a counterattack on the Russians in 2025, according to the article.

according to the Washington Post The US government expects that the war will end through negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. But for now, President Putin is not inclined to talk, the newspaper wrote, because he hopes to re-elect Donald Trump in November.