WASHINGTON (Realist English). After a two-day visit to Ukraine by the heads of the State Department Anthony Blinken and of the Pentagon Lloyd Austin, the American CNN channel reports on the shift in Biden strategy towards Russia.
“Austin’s assertion that US wants to weaken Russia underlines Biden strategy shift.” says the material of the American TV channel.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has transformed into a grinding war of attrition with no meaningful peace deal in sight, the US and its allies have begun to convey a new, longer-term goal for the war: to defeat Russia so decisively on the battlefield that it will be deterred from launching such an attack ever again.
A National Security Council spokesperson said that Austin’s comments were consistent with what the US’ goals have been for months — namely, “to make this invasion a strategic failure for Russia.”
“We want Ukraine to win.” the American official does not hide Washington’s plans.
“One of our goals has been to limit Russia’s ability to do something like this again, as Secretary Austin said. That’s why we are arming the Ukrainians with weapons and equipment to defend themselves from Russian attacks, and it’s why we are using sanctions and export controls that are directly targeted at Russia’s defense industry to undercut Russia’s economic and military power.”
Another fundamental point in Washington’s strategy — “Russia coming out of the conflict weaker than before.” US officials, however, had previously been reluctant to state as plainly that the US’ goal is to see Russia fail, and be militarily neutered in the long term, remaining cautiously optimistic that some kind of negotiated settlement could be reached.
Now it is believe d that “that the continued military support to Ukraine could result in significant blows to Russia that will impair their long-term military capabilities, strategically benefiting the US.” Arms supplies to the Ukraine CNN sources call ” making an investment to neuter the Russian army and navy for next decade.”
At the same time, the American authorities themselves see a limitation to this strategy. One has to act carefully for two reasons. Firstly, because of the collateral damage that tough sanctions can cause to the global economy. Secondly, because of the risk that Russian President Vladimir Putin may get “angry” if he is cornered. The Americans are hinting at a nuclear conflict or more brutal strikes on the Ukraine without any restrictions or limitations.
In this sense, US officials consider the statements of the Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin about the intention to “weaken Russia” too frank and giving the Kremlin a reason to say that NATO is an aggressive organization. But in general, the outlet notes, Austin’s statements reflect the real Washington’s strategy.
A source familiar with the US’ intelligence assessments about Russia said “there is certainly a balancing act that needs to be taken into consideration” when punishing the country, “whether it’s in the sanctions space or in the military and intelligence support space.”
