US Quietly Shifts Strategy in Supporting Ukraine – Politico

In response to delays in American and European assistance to Ukraine, the Biden administration is reportedly adjusting its approach to supporting Kyiv, Politico reported, citing its sources.

While public statements from the White House and the Pentagon deny any official policy changes, insiders reveal a shift from seeking a decisive victory over Russia to enhancing Ukraine’s position for potential future negotiations.

Unnamed officials from the Biden administration and a European diplomat based in Washington informed Politico that discussions are underway with Ukrainian authorities regarding the transition of their forces from a “failed counteroffensive” to more robust defensive positions in Eastern Ukraine.

The shift in strategy comes as both US and European aid to Ukraine faces serious threats, prompting a move toward bolstering Ukraine’s stance in potential talks to end the conflict. The reported negotiations could potentially involve ceding parts of Ukraine to Russia.

Efforts to improve Ukraine’s position include reinforcing air defense systems, constructing fortifications, and installing anti-tank barriers along its northern border with Belarus.

Additionally, the White House is concentrating on increasing the production of weapons within Ukraine. Officials suggest that these strategic moves aim to position Ukraine favorably for any future negotiations, as negotiations are perceived as the ultimate pathway to ending the war.

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Hungary Says It Has Deal With Ukraine on Minority Rights, Ties It to EU Accession Talks

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that Hungary and Ukraine have reached a “comprehensive agreement” to broaden language, cultural, educational and political rights for roughly 100,000 ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, following several weeks of expert-level talks. Kyiv has pledged to write the agreed measures into Ukrainian law, reflecting them in the EU accession action plan. Budapest indicated it would support opening the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine.

While the United States desires Ukraine to enter negotiations from a position of strength, sources note that no specific negotiations are currently planned.

Meanwhile, the European diplomat in Washington said that the European Union is raising the threat of expediting Ukraine’s membership in NATO to enhance its negotiating position with Russia.

Politico did not mention that the EU and NATO do not have entirely the same membership countries, with the European nations of Norway and the UK being members of the latter but not the former.