U.S. President Joe Biden is accelerating the strengthening of Ukraine's position on the political stage ahead of potential negotiations with Russia.
According to information from The Washington Post, U.S. officials acknowledge that Ukraine will likely need to negotiate with Moscow in the coming months, and this situation presents a significant challenge for the White House to provide Kyiv with the most favorable conditions for negotiations.
Biden's strategy shift, particularly the lifting of prior restrictions on supplying Ukraine with anti-personnel mines and allowing strikes on Russian territory using Western missiles, is seen as an attempt to bolster Ukraine's position should a compromise with Russia become necessary. American officials emphasize that while these decisions enhance Ukraine's defense, they are indeed part of the preparation for potential negotiations to end the war, where Kyiv may be compelled to concede certain territories.
These actions by Biden have faced criticism from some experts who believe that assistance to Ukraine should have been provided earlier in the conflict when its positions were stronger. Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker noted that the White House may have lacked the resolve during the initial phase of the conflict.
"This gives Russia a sense of impunity... They know we do not want escalation, and they can move forward and wage war, strike, and commit outrageous acts," he pointed out.
However, White House officials assure that Biden's policy has been dictated by the dynamics on the front lines and the changing conditions on the battlefield.
Given the potential shift in the political landscape in the U.S. with the arrival of Donald Trump, who holds more isolationist views, the Biden administration is eager to strengthen Ukraine's position before the new president takes office.
Source: washingtonpost.