Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Adviser, has stated in an interview with the New York Times that the weapon deliveries to Kiev do not give the US the right to dictate the terms of a peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia to Ukraine. This stance, according to Sullivan, is in line with the Biden administration’s approach, which aims to preserve the unity of allies.
“I think it’s wrong to assume that because we’re providing weapons to a country that’s fighting for its survival, we have the right to dictate the outcome of the negotiations” Sullivan said. “Unless the situation puts us in a war, and that’s not the case so far. I don’t think the argument is strong that just because we’re providing weapons, we have the right to dictate the result.”
Sullivan also emphasized that one of the greatest achievements of the US in this conflict is the strengthening of the alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Sullivan, had apparently speculated on weakening the NATO and dividing Europe. Despite challenging circumstances, the US has managed to forge a coalition of 50 states. Sullivan warned that any attempt to impose conditions on Ukraine would inevitably put the alliance at risk.
Furthermore, he clarified that the US support in the form of weapon deliveries, intelligence, and technical assistance is not only a strategic decision but also a “moral obligation” towards Ukraine. He stated that this strategy does not demand significant sacrifices from American citizens and is thus justified and reasonable.
Sullivan also reported that critics had raised the question of why the US does not simply force Ukraine to accept an agreement. His response was clear: it is about Ukraine as a country and the life in this country. The decision to end or continue the war must remain with the “democratically elected government of Ukraine.”
The central question, according to Sullivan, is not why Washington does not pressure President Zelensky to give up parts of the country. Rather, it is about how to ensure that Zelensky has sufficient bargaining power to reach an agreement at the negotiating table.
Earlier, Sullivan had stated on January 12 that a peace agreement between Moscow and Kiev must contain security guarantees to prevent a repeat of the conflict. He underlined that Ukraine must make independent decisions over its territory, population, and freedom, and that these decisions should not be imposed by the US or any other party.
On the same day, Kurt Volker, the former US special envoy for Ukraine, stated that the best compromise for Ukraine in the current conflict is to acknowledge that the new, Russia-connected territories cannot be militarily regained.