The United States plans to improve its approach to combating the Russian invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year. American representatives plan to discuss this issue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week.
Jake Sullivan, the US president's national security adviser, is likely to raise the issue during the meeting. According to unofficial sources, American officials will try to insist on discussing this urgent topic in the coming weeks, in particular, with the aim of resolving outstanding issues.
The discussion became relevant due to the difficulties and friction in relations between Washington and Kyiv. More than $110 billion in European and American aid remains blocked, and a counteroffensive in 2023 has failed to deliver meaningful success, despite the support of American and European weapons.
Officials in Washington also express concern about differences between Zelenskyi and the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny, which could slow down the development of a new strategy. The US wants to determine how best to support Ukraine to defend itself in 2024.
Since a significant breakthrough in the coming months is unlikely, Kyiv's allies emphasize the importance of developing a clear military strategy to protect existing positions and further advance through Russian defense lines.
Blocked financial aid and the slow supply of key weapons such as long-range missiles and fighter jets also remain a problem. The failure of some allies to fulfill promises to transfer weapons and artillery ammunition complicates the situation.
Stable supplies of Western allies are of great importance for Ukrainian air defense. In recent weeks, Russia has carried out one of the largest missile attacks during the entire period of the war. It is noted that after the re-election of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, he may become even bolder.
The US and its allies are also working with Ukraine to finalize long-term bilateral security commitments that they plan to sign in February. However, it is important to develop a clear strategy for military action, since differences in approaches between Ukraine and the United States regarding military strategy remain.
Ukraine, faced with the escalation of the conflict and the blocking of financial aid, is trying to strengthen its air defense systems. President Zelenskyi emphasized that the allies' indecision only increases Russia's strength.
