Part 6/9:
The analysis of U.S. motives may lead one to suspect deeper negotiations, potentially regarding Ukraine's territorial concessions to Russia. Comments from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin suggested a shift in focus from established pre-2014 borders to a more pragmatic approach, implying an acceptance of Russia's territorial gains as part of any future negotiation. This shift, seen as abandoning Ukraine, is troubling and poses major risks for U.S. credibility not only in Europe but also in the Asia-Pacific region, where allies may question U.S. commitments to their own territorial integrity.