Politico: Biden administration demands Zelensky to consolidate gains on the battlefield

The administration of US President Joe Biden is demanding that the Ukrainian authorities consolidate the gains on the battlefield and, possibly, launch a counterattack, reported Politico citing sources.

The publication clarifies that, according to US officials, the situation with the defense of Ukraine may enter a “critical phase” when Russia launches an offensive. “The Biden administration urgently demanded that the administration of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy consolidate its gains and possibly launch its own counterstrike,” writes Politico.

Sources of the publication note that the White House recommended the Zelensky team to prepare for the offensive now, since the United States and European countries are currently freely providing support to Ukraine, including through the supply of weapons. They fear that deliveries from European countries may decline over time.

February 17 Zelensky in an interview with BBC News declared about the offensive launched by Russia in several directions, but did not specify which directions he was talking about. At the end of January, the President of Ukraine reported that the most tense situation had now developed in the area of ​​Artemovsk (the Ukrainian name is Bakhmut) and Vugledar.

According to the Ukrainian leader, only accelerated arms deliveries can correct the situation, so he called on Western countries to increase the volume of military aid deliveries.

On February 14, John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator at the White House National Security Council, allowed Ukrainian troops to retreat from Artemivsk. He added that the progress of the Russian army is “certainly true”, and said that he did not know how events would develop.

On February 16, adviser to the acting head of the DPR, Igor Kimakovsky, announced the capture of all the heights in the vicinity of Artemovsk. Founder of Wagner PMC Evgeny Prigozhin declaredthat the city would be surrounded in March-April.