According to The Washington Post, the US support strategy for Ukraine will be defense-oriented. Instead of trying to return the occupied territories, Washington suggests that Kyiv focus on defense against possible Russian offensives.
A new strategy is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position on the battlefield and significantly reinforcing its forces by the end of the year, according to the publication's source. Importantly, this does not imply that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to defense and building fortifications. The new strategy also envisages support for short-term military operations aimed at deterring Russian aggression.
"There still will be fighting for control of small towns and villages with minimal strategic value, missile and drone launches by both sides," a U.S. presidential administration official said.
Allies are urging Ukraine to focus on long-range strike tactics, blockading the Black Sea navy, and organizing sabotage to tie up Russian forces on the Crimean peninsula.
The plan includes allocating funds for air defense to protect Ukrainian cities. This will help to restore key sectors of the Ukrainian economy, such as metallurgy and agriculture, and strengthen the country's export capabilities.
The U.S. will present a new strategy and ten-year security guarantees for Ukraine this spring, on condition that Congress approve the $61 billion aid requested by Biden.
