As differences between Ukraine and the US grow over the course of the war, Politico claims

The American publication “Politico” claims that disagreements are growing between the United States and Ukraine regarding the course of the war started by Russia against Ukraine and the possibilities of ending it.

Based on interviews with 10 officials, lawmakers and experts, the publication has identified points of tension between Ukraine and the US, including the undermining of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, Ukraine’s grueling defense of Bakhmut and Ukraine’s intention to liberate Crimea.

Numerous US administration officials have begun to express concern that Ukraine is spending so much manpower and ammunition in Bakhmut that it could undermine its ability to launch a large-scale counteroffensive in the spring, the publication said.

It also mentions a recent publication by The New York Times with intelligence that a “pro-Ukrainian group” was responsible for the destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline last fall.

“Intelligence analysts do not believe Zelensky or his aides were involved in the sabotage, but the Biden administration has made that clear to Kyiv, as it did when the daughter of a prominent Russian nationalist was killed in a car bomb in Moscow last year. The Americans have emphasized that certain acts of violence outside of Ukraine will not be tolerated,” Politico writes.

The U.S. also feels disappointed about the supply of arms to Ukraine.

Two White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States sent the most weapons and equipment to the front, but Kyiv was always looking forward to the next shipment. While most administration officials have been sympathetic to Kyiv’s desperate efforts to defend itself, officials said there have been complaints about the constant requests and at times that President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has not shown proper gratitude.

Another point of tension was a recent report by The New York Times that the Pentagon is preventing the Biden administration from sharing evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine with the International Criminal Court. According to “Politico”, the White House expresses concern that this publication could harm the moral image of the United States.

Differences between Ukraine and the United States also exist on the issue of ending the war.

Zelensky’s insistence that all of Ukraine, including Crimea, which has been under Russian control since 2014, must be returned to Ukraine before peace talks begin, will only lead to a continuation of the war, US officials say.