The United States has tightened its strategy regarding the Russian war in Ukraine so that Kiev can achieve the return of the occupied territories, writes the British Times newspaper, citing a senior official of the American administration.
“We want Ukraine to win and keep all its territory. The goal is to ensure its sovereignty and independence, and this will mean the return of all the lands, ”he said.
Previously, the United States called its goal not the defeat of Russia as such, but the protection of Ukraine and providing Kyiv with a strong military position by the start of diplomatic negotiations. Congressman Seth Moulton argued that Washington “does not want Russia to lose too much” because it could undermine world stability. “To say that we wish Russia a shameful defeat and the fall of the entire government is not what we really want,” he said.
However, given what is happening at the front and the ongoing attacks on civilians, the US strategy has changed. “We see new terrible blows against the Ukrainian people, and Russia shows no interest in negotiations. Therefore, our position is that we will continue to do everything possible to help Ukraine survive as an independent, democratic country,” the source said.
The White House noted that the weapons supplied by the United States and its allies to Ukraine have become more sophisticated and powerful compared to deliveries before February 24, and NATO’s actions may become more radical. Whereas earlier US policy was aimed at preventing the conflict from escalating into a direct confrontation between Russia and the alliance, President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of his intention to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus “ highlighted the potential danger,” after which “NATO became bolder,” the official explained. .
Kiev has repeatedly stated that the end of the war is possible only with the withdrawal of Russian troops to the borders of 1991. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that otherwise the conflict would be frozen, but not settled.
In turn, Putin said that peace negotiations with Kiev are possible only after the recognition of “geopolitical realities”, meaning that Zelensky must agree to the annexation of four regions of Ukraine, which make up 20% of its territory.
Source: moscowtimes