Russia-Ukraine war could turn into frozen conflict, US officials suggest

Politico has learned this from sources in the administration of US President Joe Biden.

“The options discussed within the Biden administration for a long-term “freeze” include where to set potential lines that Ukraine and Russia would agree not to cross, but which would not have to be official borders,” the article says. 

“It’s a scenario that may prove the most realistic long-term outcome given that neither Kyiv nor Moscow appear inclined to ever admit defeat. It’s also becoming increasingly likely amid the growing sense within the administration that an upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive won’t deal a mortal blow to Russia,” Politico noted. 

A frozen conflict, where neither side is declared a winner, may be acceptable to the United States, as the number of military clashes will decrease, and with it the costs of supporting Kyiv and public attention, the publication believes.

“We are planning for the long term, whether it looks frozen or thawed,” said a US official familiar with the Biden administration’s discussions on Ukraine.

However, the United States is currently talking about the hot phase of the war and is ready to continue to help Ukraine, the journalists emphasized.

• Last July, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe James Stavridis also predicted that the war in Ukraine would turn into a frozen conflict.