US and Ukraine face growing tensions over war strategy as aid hangs in balance

Tensions between the United States and Ukraine are escalating as Ukraine's war with Russia enters its third year. The US is pressing Ukraine to clearly define its strategy against Russian aggression. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, is expected to raise this issue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos.

The US is concerned about disagreements between Zelenskyy and his chief general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, which are hindering efforts to crystallize a new strategy. The tension between the two leaders became apparent last November when Zaluzhnyi publicly stated that the war was at a stalemate, a comment that irritated Zelenskyy. They have also clashed over the need to lower the age limit for recruitment to replenish the Ukrainian army, with Zaluzhnyi criticizing the slow pace of recruitment.

The US and its G7 allies are working with Ukraine to finalize long-term bilateral security commitments, hoping to conclude them within the next month. However, the Biden administration's request for $61 billion in aid for Ukraine this year has been blocked for months due to Republican opposition in Congress. The Republicans have called for Ukraine to provide clear plans for continuing the fight.

WION highlighted a secret meeting last month between Ukraine and its G7 allies, as well as a group of global South countries, to garner support for Kyiv's conditions for peace talks with Russia. The US might want the Ukraine war to continue as the US and South Korea pledge to continue supporting Ukraine.