Senior US officials looking into how to improve the US’ geopolitical position in the wake of Russia’s attack against Ukraine have doubts about the current strategy, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
The admission was buried in an article detailing the work of the Tiger Team, a group created in late February by the White House for Ukraine planning. The report focused on how the US was preparing contingency plans for the unlikely scenario that Russia would use weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine.
In addition to establishing the group, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan formed a second body for long-term planning, the newspaper said, explaining its skepticism of the established Western narrative regarding the Ukraine conflict.
“Inside the White House, it has become an article of faith that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] made a huge strategic error – one that will diminish Russia’s standing, cripple its economy, and alienate potential allies for years. But it is early in the conflict, other officials caution, and that conclusion may prove premature,” the NYT said.