White House discusses shift to "more defensive posture" in Ukraine

This is reported by Politico.

This happened amid delays in American and European assistance to Ukraine.

Although the White House and Pentagon publicly insist that there is no official change in administration policy, US and European officials are now discussing with Ukrainians the redeployment of Ukrainian forces from a counteroffensive to a stronger defensive position in eastern Ukraine.

It is known that these efforts also include strengthening air defense systems and building fortifications, barbed wire barriers, anti-tank obstacles, and ditches along Ukraine's northern border with Belarus.

The White House is also focused on the rapid restoration of the Ukrainian defense industry to supply the necessary weapons that the US Congress refuses to replace.

A Biden administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that such a strategic shift should strengthen Ukraine's position in "any possible negotiations" over the war with Russia. At the same time, he emphasized that no negotiations are planned yet, and Ukrainian troops are still conducting an offensive in some parts of the frontline.

“We want them to be in a stronger position to hold their territory. It’s not that we’re discouraging them from launching any new offensive,” he added.

• Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said that if the West stops supporting Ukraine, the likelihood of Russian aggression against NATO member states will increase.