Hersh says US blocked Ukraine-Russia peace talks months ago
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An anonymous official told Seymour Hersh that US leaders gave Zekensky "an ultimatum" of refusing negotiations or losing $45 billion in funds.
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Zelensky addresses Congress during a visit to the US (AFP)
US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh has revealed that the Biden administration barred Ukraine from engaging in any peace negotiations with Russia some months ago, threatening to cut off funds to Kiev.
Hersh cited a US source with knowledge of the situation in a story released Thursday.
According to the official, "We were on the verge of a reasonable negotiation several months ago before Putin’s re-election and Zelensky’s military degradation."
Read more: Switzerland to invite Russia for peace talks regarding Ukraine
The official detailed that US leaders "gave Zelensky the ultimatum," of either refusing negotiations or "losing the $45 billion in non-military funds."
Last month, Hersh revealed that Zelensky wanted to sack Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi from his post due to his alleged involvement in secret talks with Western officials about pursuing a ceasefire with Russia.
Zaluzhnyi had warned earlier that the country must prepare itself for another year of significant casualties as the war nears its two-year mark.
Sullivan in Ukraine in secret trip amid US aid deadlock
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan undertook a covert journey to Ukraine on Wednesday to reaffirm US support for the country amid a stalemate in Congress over additional funding for the war effort.
Sullivan's visit coincided with Ukraine's forces facing setbacks, including retreating from the city of Avdiivka and confronting Russian advancements.
Kiev is grappling with persistent shortages of ammunition and troops, while US House lawmakers deliberate on a Senate aid package of $60 billion for Ukraine. Despite pressure, House Speaker Mike Johnson has resisted calls for a vote on the measure, prompting the White House to search for alternative means to provide weaponry and equipment to Ukraine.
“You should believe in the United States,” Sullivan told journalists in a briefing at Ukraine’s presidential office in Kiev. “We are confident we will get this done. We will get this aid to Ukraine.”
While on his journey, Sullivan reportedly aims to bolster support for a war effort that President Biden had envisioned campaigning on. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have cautioned that morale is diminishing as the war enters its third year.
“He’s there to underscore our commitment to Ukraine and to reaffirm that we’re committed to sticking with them for the long haul,” as per a US official who requested anonymity to discuss Sullivan's trip during wartime.
A group of Republicans in Congress have delayed additional funding for Ukraine, criticizing the administration for not outlining a clear strategy for victory and arguing that the billions of dollars already spent have only resulted in a stalemate. However, this argument overlooks the fact that without assistance from the United States and other Western nations, Russia could have likely captured Kiev and overthrown President Volodymyr Zelensky's government in early 2022.
