Zelensky continues talks without a strong position: US President
US President Joe Biden recently commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's handling of the war and peace talks with Russia. He said, "Zelensky is in a situation in the negotiations where he does not have any strong cards in his hand." Biden's comments have caused quite a stir in the international arena, especially among Ukraine and Western allies.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Two years later, there is no end in sight to the war. Although Ukraine initially managed to resist, the situation has become increasingly difficult over time. Russia has strengthened its military power and strategic position, which has become a major challenge for Ukraine.
Despite the massive military and financial assistance provided by the United States and the European Union to Ukraine, there has been no significant progress on the battlefield. The war has now reached a stalemate, with Russia gradually capturing parts of Ukraine and Ukraine moving into a defensive position.
President Zelensky has traveled to various countries to seek international cooperation. He has asked Western countries for more weapons, financial assistance, and military training. But Biden's recent statements indicate that the United States may not be interested in supporting Ukraine in the long term.
"We want to help Ukraine, but we can't deny the reality. Zelensky doesn't have a strong card in his hand that he can use to bring Russia to the negotiating table," Biden said at a press conference in Washington.
In the past few months, the Russian army has made significant military advances in the Bakhmut, Avdivka, Crimea, and Donbas regions. Although Ukrainian troops have put up fierce resistance, they are weakened by a shortage of weapons and ammunition.
Ukraine's defense minister recently stated that, "While the morale of our troops is strong, the shortage of weapons and the slow pace of Western assistance are making it difficult for us to continue the fight."
Russia has already added new weapons and strengthened military ties with Belarus and North Korea. On the other hand, the biggest challenge for Ukraine is the future of Western aid.
Divided opinion in the US Congress
There is a sharp disagreement in the US Congress over aid to Ukraine. Some Republican lawmakers say that “domestic problems in the US, such as inflation, unemployment and border security, are more important.” They claim that “if the war drags on, it will lead to greater dependence on Ukraine, which will be harmful to the US in the long run.”
However, some Democrats say, “If Ukraine is not helped, Russia will become more aggressive and Europe’s security will be threatened.”
What could be Zelensky's alternative strategy?
Analysts say Zelensky can now choose two main paths:
- Attempting to get more military assistance from Western countries – He could continue to lobby internationally for more sophisticated weapons and military training.
- Finding a possible path to negotiation – Although it is difficult, some analysts say that if Russia accepts certain conditions, an attempt may be made to end the war through negotiations.
Many military analysts say that, "There is no chance of this war ending quickly." If Russia can hold on to the occupied territories and Ukraine does not receive continued Western aid, the pace of the war could slow further.
US policymakers are now trying to determine a new strategy for the war in Ukraine. Ukraine's future now largely depends on the decisions of the Western world.
Zelensky faces tough times ahead. If he does go for talks, the question is how acceptable his terms will be. On the other hand, if the war continues, Ukraine will face even more difficult conditions.
Biden's comments made it clear that, “Ending the war will not be easy, and Zelensky does not have a strong strategy at his disposal right now.” It remains to be seen how Ukraine deals with this difficult situation and how the international community stands by them.
