TL/DR –
American and Ukrainian military leaders are seeking a new strategy to improve Ukraine’s position in its ongoing conflict with Russia. This comes in light of a failed counteroffensive to retake territory lost to Russia and declining U.S. financial support for Ukraine. The U.S. is pushing for a strategy that focuses on maintaining current territory and building up forces, whereas Ukraine wants to engage in more aggressive tactics, with the two countries holding a series of war games next month to iron out a new plan.
Reviving Ukraine’s Support Against Russian War
U.S. and Ukrainian military leaders are forging a new strategic plan to strengthen Kyiv’s stance and support in their conflict with Russia, say U.S. and Ukrainian officials. This comes in the wake of Ukraine’s failed attempt to reclaim territory from Russia. The situation has been strained by tense encounters between senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington for impromptu meetings with President Biden and Congress to discuss next steps. Amidst dwindling Republican backing for U.S. financial aid to Kyiv and concerns of a protracted stalemate favoring Russian President Putin, the two leaders are looking to show unity and boost support for Ukraine.
Russia’s Military Might Increases
After a failed assault on Kyiv in 2022, Moscow is rebuilding its military strength. The Russian army now boasts more troops, ammunition, and missiles, bolstered by a fleet of battlefield drones, some of which are supplied by Iran, according to U.S. officials.
President Biden emphasized the need for Ukraine’s support, stating, “We can’t let Putin win… Any disruption in our ability to supply Ukraine strengthens Putin’s position.”
Developing a New Strategy
U.S and Ukrainian military officers are planning to finalize the new strategy details during war games to be held in Wiesbaden, Germany. The U.S. is advocating for a defensive approach, while Ukraine is pushing for a more offensive strategy.
Officials warn that without a new strategy and extra funding, Ukraine could be at risk of losing the war. American support has been waning, and Ukrainian officials’ requests for additional artillery supplies exceed Western stockpiles. It appears Ukraine will need to battle with a strict budget in the future.
Long-Term Expectations
The vision is to pose a credible enough threat that might bring Russia to the negotiating table by the end of next year or 2025. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are exploring strategies that build on their successful deep strikes on Crimea.
Ukrainian hospitals are overwhelmed with wounded soldiers, and the country’s losses have been substantial. The tactic of remaking Ukraine’s army in the vein of America’s hasn’t had the expected impact, drawing comparisons to past U.S. military endeavours in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
A Glimmer of Hope
There seems to be room for compromise as U.S. officials are open to some of Ukraine’s fresh ideas. U.S. strategists believe that Ukraine can build on the success of their deep strikes into Crimea.
Pentagon plans include dispatching Lt. Gen. Antonio A. Aguto Jr., a key U.S. supporter of Ukraine based in Germany, to spend significant time in Kyiv. He will work directly with Ukraine’s military leadership to enhance the advice the U.S. is offering.
A New Plan
Senior American military leaders met with top Ukrainian officials last week to discuss the outlines of the strategy for the next year. Analysts argue that additional American funding is crucial for the war’s progression. Ukraine doesn’t need to reclaim all lost territory to win the war, just achieve enough strategic victories to strengthen their position when peace talks inevitably restart.
U.S. officials are warning Ukrainians that next year’s aid from Congress is unlikely to match the funding that Washington provided in the first two years of the war.
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