The United States is looking to refine its approach to countering Russia's third-year invasion of Ukraine, and officials plan to discuss the 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, US officials will try to insist on discussing this pressing topic in the coming weeks, in particular with a view to resolving outstanding issues.
The discussion has become 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 not achieved significant success despite the support of American and European weapons.
Officials in Washington are also concerned that differences between Zelensky and Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhny could slow down the development of a new strategy as the United States seeks to determine how best to support Ukraine in defending itself in 2024.
Since it is unlikely to count on a significant breakthrough in the coming months, Kyiv's allies emphasize the importance of developing a clear military strategy to defend existing positions and further advance through the Russian defense lines.
Blocked financial aid and slow deliveries of key weapons, such as long-range missiles and fighter jets, also remain a problem. The failure of some allies to fulfill their promises to transfer weapons and artillery ammunition is complicating the situation.
Stable supplies from Western allies are crucial to Ukraine's air defenses. Russia has carried out some of the largest missile attacks of the entire war in recent weeks. It is noted that after the re-election of Russian President Vladimir Putin, he may become even bolder.
The United States and its allies are also working with Ukraine to finalize long-term bilateral security commitments, which are expected to be signed in February. However, it is important to develop a clear strategy for military action, as differences in approaches between Ukraine and the United States on military strategy remain.
Ukraine, faced with an escalating conflict and a freeze on financial aid, is trying to strengthen its air defense systems. President Zelenskyy stressed that the indecision of allies only increases Russia's power.
