The Biden administration’s priority was never Ukraine’s victory, only its survival.

When the full-scale Russian invasion began, US President Joe Biden identified three key goals for the American response. Ukraine’s victory was not mentioned among them. In fact, the wording used by the White House: “support Ukraine as long as necessary,” was deliberately vague.

Eric Green, a former member of the US National Security Council who was responsible for Russian policy, explained that in Biden’s opinion, even with Western help, the reclamation of all Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea, may not be possible. Biden’s main goal was to ensure Ukraine’s survival as a sovereign democratic state capable of integrating with the West.

Biden also sought to preserve unity among the US’ allies and avoid direct conflict between NATO and Russia. In his farewell address, Biden declared that the United States had accomplished its goals. However, defending Ukraine is not the same as defeating Russia, and that distinction remains critical, Green noted.