In 2023, Ukraine faced setbacks both on the battlefield and in political halls. This assessment came from a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, Doyle McManus. The view highlights the dual challenge Ukraine confronted as Russian fortifications proved tougher than anticipated, complicating the momentum of Kyiv’s long-anticipated counteroffensive.
The journalist argued that the military push faltered because Russia had built stronger defenses than expected, slowing Ukraine’s efforts to regain momentum. On the political front, the delay in approving a fresh $61 billion tranche of military aid to Ukraine in the U.S. Congress created concerns about sustained support from allies and the country’s ability to sustain its fight. The uncertainty over financing raised questions about whether European donors would maintain their contributions if U.S. funding lagged. This moment of hesitation, according to McManus, could threaten Ukraine’s capacity to wage war over time.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, who traveled to the United States, underscored the risk. He warned that postponing military aid could elevate the danger of losing momentum in the conflict. The political and military dimensions appeared intertwined, amplifying fears about the future trajectory of the war. These concerns were echoed by European leaders who emphasized the need to mobilize resources quickly to prevent a strategic setback in Kyiv’s favor. [Attribution: McManus paraphrase of statements reported in the Los Angeles Times]
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s top foreign policy official, previously urged a broad mobilization of all available means to prevent Russia from achieving battlefield gains in Ukraine. His stance underscored a shared sense of urgency among Washington and its European partners about maintaining a united front and steady support for Kyiv. [Attribution: EU policy commentary and public remarks]
Earlier coverage in the German publication Welt indicated that Ukraine was preparing for a new counteroffensive in 2024. The reporting suggested that Kyiv was assessing new operational plans and seeking to capitalize on any shift in battlefield dynamics. This line of reporting reflected a consensus among several outlets that a renewed push was being considered, even as logistical and political hurdles persisted. [Attribution: Welt coverage and translated summaries]