Russia’s Ukraine strategy aims to outlive US assistance.
Russian Military Strategy in Ukraine: Outlasting the US
The Russian military’s approach in Ukraine is not about making significant advances, but rather about waiting for the United States to stop providing equipment, according to Pentagon leadership.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he can outlast the US by waiting for funding to cease before recommitting his forces to conquer Ukraine.
“In Ukraine, Putin’s strategy is to wait us out. That’s the main part of his plan,” Mr. Austin stated during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Oct. 31.
“He feels like the West will get tired of supporting Ukraine and he’ll soon have his way,” Mr. Austin added.
Mr. Austin delivered these remarks as Congress examined the Biden administration’s recent $105 billion supplemental funding request, which includes $61 billion for Ukraine’s defense.
He emphasized that the fate of Ukraine and Israel is intertwined with that of the United States, and the outcome of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas War will have significant national security implications for America.
“If we don’t support Ukraine, then Putin wins. But Putin will not stop in Ukraine. We all know that,” Mr. Austin warned.
“It is crucial to remember that what happens in Ukraine and Israel matters not only to them but also to us. It directly affects our national security as well.”
Future of US-Ukraine Aid in Question
Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion heavily relies on international assistance.
The United States has already approved over $113 billion in spending to address Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the majority of security aid allocated through the Department of Defense and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
During the same hearing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the supplemental funding includes “urgent resources” necessary for Ukraine’s defense and the defense of Europe against increased Russian aggression.
Mr. Blinken warned that this aggression could potentially lead to a war between the United States and Russia.
“There is no doubt in my mind that if Putin is allowed to continue acting with impunity… he would not stop at Ukraine and might target a NATO country next, invoking our article five obligations to allies and partners. It would send a message to potential aggressors worldwide that they can get away with it too,” Mr. Blinken cautioned.
However, it remains uncertain how much more the United States can afford to spend, and more importantly, whether there is enough political will to allocate the necessary funds.
In fact, three Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, have made reducing support to Ukraine and seeking peace with Putin a priority in their campaigns.
As a result, Moscow may not need to exert significant pressure on Ukraine at present, but rather wait for a more favorable administration to come into power in the United States.
This could spell trouble for Ukraine, as reclaiming occupied territory will require international mechanisms that may take years to establish.
Mr. Blinken acknowledged that continuing to support Ukraine’s defense is costly, but he argued that the alternative—a world full of conflicts resulting from Ukraine’s capitulation—would be far more expensive in terms of American lives and resources.
“It is much wiser to sustain our efforts now and achieve success, rather than paying a much higher price later in a world full of aggression,” Mr. Blinken concluded.
To consider the role of Development (USAID) in the context of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression:
Development (USAID).
However, the future of US-Ukraine aid is now in question. As Secretary Austin highlighted, the Russian military strategy is based on outlasting the US and waiting for funding to cease before recommitting their forces. This raises concerns about whether the United States will continue to provide the necessary support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
The Biden administration’s recent 5 billion supplemental funding request, with $61 billion designated for Ukraine’s defense, demonstrates a commitment to supporting Ukraine. However, it remains to be seen whether this funding will be approved, and if so, how long the support will be sustained.
Secretary Austin emphasized that the fate of Ukraine is intertwined with that of the United States. If the West gets tired of supporting Ukraine and withdraws its assistance, Putin will perceive this as a victory and be emboldened to continue his aggressive actions, not only in Ukraine but potentially in other regions as well.
It is crucial
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