John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, asserts that both Ukraine's unsuccessful offensives and Russia's effective defenses stem from a shared root: the Western military assistance being provided slowly, hesitantly, and without a clear strategic approach.
Former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, John Bolton, authored an article on The Wall Street Journal's website, criticizing the policy of the Biden administration towards Ukraine. Bolton contends that the approach taken merely delays the potential defeat of Kiev.
Bolton's analysis highlights a common underlying factor for both Ukraine's unsuccessful offensives and Russia's effective defenses: the slow, hesitant, and nonstrategic provision of military assistance from the West. He points out the ongoing debates about supplying various weapons systems, the concern of potential Russian escalation against NATO, and occasional nuclear threats from the Kremlin, which have led to a paralyzing caution in Western capitals. While Boris Johnson's UK took a different stance, NATO has appeared unwilling to fully uphold its commitment to restore Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Bolton argues that this hesitancy is a result of the Kremlin's successful deterrence rather than a strategic necessity for the United States. He suggests that Ukraine's inability to make significant progress is a consequence of a US strategy focused solely on preventing Russian conquest.
Regarding sanctions, Bolton proposes a substantial reevaluation of the West's sanctions policy, especially by Washington. He critiques the failures of theories such as price caps on Russian oil and highlights the piecemeal nature and inadequate enforcement of Western sanctions. Bolton believes that a thorough review of enforcement procedures and personnel is needed, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul and upgrade of sanction-enforcement instruments.
In contrast to Ukrainian claims of offensive successes, the Russian Defense Ministry reports continuous futile offensive attempts by the Ukrainian army since June 4. According to the ministry, Ukraine has suffered substantial losses in personnel and weaponry over the span of two months. Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes the lack of Ukrainian progress on various fronts.
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