US President Joe Biden may press Ukraine toward negotiations during next year’s election cycle, Bloomberg reports.
As the presidential contest heats up, the outlet suggests Biden might push for talks with Kyiv because battlefield gains have stalled.
More than two months into Ukraine’s counteroffensive, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have achieved limited tactical gains despite continued military support from the United States and European Union. The analysis notes that turning a corner on the battlefield could be unlikely before autumn conditions worsen, and that Kyiv and its allies are prepared to continue the fight with reduced levels of assistance compared to before the current counteroffensive. For instance, F-16 fighters are not expected to arrive in Ukraine before next year.
The upcoming debate over the next Ukraine funding bill in Congress is shaping up to be a strenuous round, with Republican discussions this week underscoring resistance to further arms and other forms of aid to Kyiv. The report also highlights concerns that European countries may lack the military capacity to sustain long-term support for Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine is not America’s problem
Researcher Samantha de Benner of the Royal Institute of International Affairs cautions that support for Kyiv could waver if hostilities stall through the winter. She warns of growing war fatigue and notes that American interest may decline, while convincing Europeans to maintain backing could become harder. The upcoming US presidential election in November 2024 is already shaping expectations, with current President Joe Biden seeking a second term and former President Donald Trump signaling his own bid for the presidency.
Counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The Ukrainian counteroffensive, supported by reserves, began on June 4 and has continued to the present without delivering substantial breakthroughs. A recent report referenced an unnamed American official who suggested Washington may have missed an earlier opportunity to press for negotiations to settle the dispute. The official implied that there was room to advocate negotiations sooner. President Biden has reiterated that the United States remains engaged with Kyiv to explore peaceful resolution options. He emphasized that peace is a shared goal and that the administration is coordinating with President Zelensky and his team on the peace framework while underscoring Ukraine’s central role in any settlement. Kyiv’s leadership has signaled continued openness to diplomacy, paired with a determination to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity. While political rhetoric and strategic calculations evolve, the underlying aim remains to chart a path to lasting security for Ukraine and regional stability.