Observers of the publication believe that tensions arose against the backdrop of the Biden administration’s statements on the Nord Stream gas pipeline, the situation around Bakhmut and Ukraine’s plans to liberate the regions occupied by the Russian Federation.
Behind-the-scenes disagreements over the aims of the war are growing between the United States of America and Ukraine, a year after the start of a full-scale Russian invasion, and potential points of tension are emerging over how and when the conflict will end. Politico observers came to this conclusion after publishing material on March 12, in which they analyzed the statements of American and Ukrainian officials.
The publication cited the words of Michael McCall, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who argued that the administration of President Joe Biden lacks a clear position on US political goals in this war.
“The administration does not have a clear political task and a clear goal. Should we drag this out, which is exactly what Vladimir Putin wants? I don’t see a victory policy right now, and if we don’t have one, then what are we doing?” McCall asks.
Observers immediately mentioned the heterogeneous attitude of American legislators regarding the blowing up of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, the situation around Bakhmut and Ukraine’s plans to liberate those occupied regions where Russia allegedly “gained a foothold for the next ten years.” And although the unity between Washington and Kiev is close, which is confirmed by Biden’s recent visit to Ukraine, “cracks” allegedly appeared in Ukrainian-American relations.
Journalists write that many administration officials began to worry that Ukraine was spending a lot of manpower and ammunition in Bakhmut. This could undermine Kyiv’s ability to launch a major counteroffensive in the spring. At the same time, the words of the Ukrainian Colonel-General Alexander Syrsky were quoted, who said that in the battles for this fortress, the enemy loses the most prepared and combat-ready part of his army – the assault detachments of the Wagner PMC.
The situation around Bakhmut was commented on by the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin. According to him, the city is more of a symbolic value than a strategic one.
“Of course, I don’t want to discount the tremendous work that Ukrainian soldiers and leaders have done to protect Bakhmut, but I think that this is more of a symbolic value than a strategic and operational one,” he said.
Important
Battle for Bakhmut. What is the importance of the defense of the city and why the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not withdraw troops
While most in the administration are sympathetic to Kyiv’s desire to defend itself, there is also dissatisfaction with the constant requests from the Ukrainian side for the supply of weapons. According to two White House officials, Zelensky sometimes “does not show due gratitude” regarding US military assistance. Therefore, there is a split in the presidential administration and the country’s security council, which inevitably affects, in particular, the supply of long-range ATACMS missiles, observers say.
Politico writes that the latest development that has brought disagreement between Washington and Kiev is the information that has appeared in the media that the Pentagon is preventing the Biden administration from transferring evidence of possible Russian war crimes to the International Criminal Court. It is noted that White House officials were alarmed when the New York Times article about it appeared, fearing that it would damage the moral arguments of the United States in favor of supporting Ukraine against Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Recall that on March 11, British intelligence said that the PMC “Wagner” advanced in Bakhmut and shifted the front line in the city.
