As the WSJ notes, Ukraine is shifting to strategic defense after failing to liberate large swathes of territory in its 2023 summer offensive. At the same time, economic and military support from the US and Europe has been called into question, and political disagreements have arisen in Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s ability to regain most of its territory is now in question, while Putin’s transition of the economy to military rails has strengthened his position in the war and, more recently, in the diplomatic sphere,” the article says.
Analysts note that Ukraine is exhausted by the war and needs time to recover. Now, it has become clear that the war will be lengthy, states the WSJ.
However, the US plans to persuade Russia to negotiate by the end of 2024. According to American national security official Jonathan Feiner, the US and the EU will increase weapons production volume to enable this goal to be achieved and help Ukraine enjoy a stronger position.