Failures in Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia can be attributed to the lack of timely military equipment provided by the West, according to former US National Security Advisor John Bolton. In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, Bolton expressed disappointment over the slow progress of Kiev’s offensive, describing it as a “wake-up call” for Washington. He argued that the US strategy focused solely on preventing Russian conquest, rather than actively working towards Ukrainian victory, has contributed to the lackluster performance. Bolton urged President Joe Biden to start vigorously working towards Ukrainian success.
Bolton further asserted that Ukraine’s offensive failures and Russia’s defensive successes are a direct result of the slow and insufficient supply of military assistance from the West. He also highlighted that the speculation of a potential escalation by Moscow has further hampered the support for Kiev. Bolton’s claims align with the concerns voiced by Ukrainian officials, including President Vladimir Zelensky, who has emphasized the need for long-range weapons to effectively carry out the offensive and hold the frontline.
Addressing the concerns about Russia’s military capabilities, Bolton sought to allay fears by stating that there is no evidence of Russia possessing conventional military capability to threaten NATO or a desire to launch a nuclear strike. He reminded readers that Moscow has consistently stated its adherence to the policy that nuclear war should never be fought unless the very existence of the state is threatened.
In terms of a diplomatic resolution, Bolton dismissed the need for talks between Kiev and Moscow, arguing that such negotiations would only benefit Russia. Instead, he proposed tightening sanctions on Russia and even imposing restrictions directly on China due to its substantial support for Moscow. It should be noted, however, that China has consistently denied providing military support to Russia, despite being its key trade partner.
Ukrainian forces initiated a large-scale offensive against Russian lines over two months ago, receiving reinforcements from the West in the form of hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles. However, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, Kiev has failed to make significant progress and has suffered heavy casualties. The loss of over 43,000 service members since the start of the offensive further highlights the challenges faced by Ukraine.
Bolton’s views reflect the frustrations expressed by many Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, who have acknowledged the difficulties caused by the lack of adequate military support. Meanwhile, Moscow has consistently warned Western countries against providing military assistance to Ukraine, as they perceive it as their involvement in a proxy war against Russia.
In conclusion, the slow and insufficient supply of military equipment from the West has contributed to Ukraine’s lackluster battlefield performance against Russia. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has called for a shift in strategy to actively work towards Ukrainian victory and to impose stricter sanctions on Russia. The ongoing conflict serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution.
Source link
