The US Can Make Ukraine Play Defense, on One Condition
If the White House demands that Kyiv hold Russia at bay rather than reconquer its own lands, it must also provide the armor and ammo.
Hard conversations to have.
Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg
Speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will deliver a message from his boss, President Joe Biden. The White House wants Ukraine to change strategy in fighting the Russian invaders: from offense to defense.
Zelenskiy understands why that makes sense, although he won’t like to hear it or to say so publicly. So he should tell Sullivan to reply to Biden — and to remind the US Congress — that Ukraine can only play proper defense if the US and its allies guarantee that it has the wherewithal.