U.S. calls Ukraine's victory in the war with Russia its "strategic goal": how it will affect aid

The United States believes that by the end of 2024, Ukraine will be stronger and in a better position to determine its future. And the future for Ukraine is American assistance to win the war with Russia.

This was stated by US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien in a speech on January 25 at the German Marshall Fund think tank in Washington. His words were quoted by Voice of America.

"As President Biden said, we will help Ukraine win. So this is a strategic goal," the official explained.

According to him, this will be achieved through the still-expected further US financial assistance and European commitments. In particular, he pins his hopes on the EU's decision to allocate €50 billion in aid to Ukraine. European leaders are expected to consider the issue at their summit next week.

As for American assistance, the State Department official acknowledged that there are ups and downs on Washington's part.

"But I will say two things: there is tremendous support for Ukraine in both houses of Congress, and the only problem is when the leaders will be ready to put it to a vote. Every day people are fighting and dying to protect their security and ours. And I think now is the time for us to stand with them as we move forward," O'Brien said.

The diplomat for European and Eurasian Affairs at the US State Department recently returned from Romania, which he called a key ally in supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian exports, and maintaining security in the Black Sea, in particular. He also visited Kyiv last month.

"Ukrainians continue to choose democracy, justice and a European future, just as they did twice on the Maidan, and as they do every day on the front lines of the fight against Russia," the official said.

In his opinion, the Kremlin intends to continue its war "until it sees the results of the American elections in November." Therefore, O'Brien expects the coming months to be tense and notes that winter in war is always hard and brutal.

As for financing Ukraine's needs on the way to victory, he added that a powerful international coalition is helping Ukraine, although Kyiv is financing two-thirds of its military needs from domestic resources.

The official is convinced that the strategy of this year's military campaign to defeat Russia is offensive and will be based on "what was done in 2023." This is particularly true for "the outstanding success in securing access to the Black Sea and destabilizing Russia's ability to use Crimea."

Speaking about the alternative scenarios being considered in the United States today in case aid to Ukraine is not voted on in Congress, he noted that he would "resist the temptation to discuss a plan B."

"It's time for leaders to say that we recognize the urgency of making decisions to move forward. It will make America safer and more prosperous. The question is whether we have the leaders today to rise to the occasion," O'Brien summarized.

As reported, the White House expressed confidence that there is no weakening or disunity in the West's support for Ukraine. They emphasized that the countries that have taken an active stance in repelling the Russian invasion continue to provide continuous assistance to Kyiv.

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