Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy Photo: Office of the President
During the almost three-year war in Ukraine, the Joe Biden administration set itself three key goals: to protect Ukraine as a sovereign democracy, to preserve the unity of the allies, and to avoid a direct conflict between NATO and Russia. However, according to Time , these goals did not include a guarantee that Ukraine would return all occupied territories or defeat Russia.
US policy: successes and limits
Washington’s strategy, despite the allocation of $66 billion in military aid since the invasion and $183 billion in general support, deliberately avoids promises to help Ukraine return Crimea and Donbas. Former US National Security Council member Eric Greene noted that the administration considered this unrealistic, even with large-scale Western assistance. The main goal was to ensure Ukraine’s survival as an independent state.
Criticism of Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with US restraint, especially with regard to sanctions and arms sales. In January 2025, Zelenskyy said that America had not acted quickly enough:
“I don’t want the situation to repeat itself. We need sanctions and weapons now, please,” he said in an interview with Lex Friedman.
During his last visit to the White House, Zelenskyy presented a so-called “victory plan” that included a clear path to NATO membership, tougher sanctions, and permission to strike Russian territory. However, Biden refused to provide clear guarantees on NATO, although he did allow Ukraine to use US missiles to strike deep into Russia and imposed new sanctions on Russian energy.
Biden’s view: goals achieved
In his January speech, Biden summed up that his administration had achieved its goals. He emphasised that Ukraine remains an independent state, but avoided promising that it would win the war.
“Putin has not yet been able to conquer Ukraine. Today it is a free, independent country with the potential for a bright future,” Biden said.
Ukraine: goals that remain outside
For the Ukrainian leadership, the main goal is not only to defend but also to defeat Russia. However, as Biden’s policy shows, these goals do not always coincide with the US.
