A recent investigation by The New York Times has unveiled the extent of the United States’ involvement in Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia, revealing a level of coordination that far exceeds simple arms shipments.
The findings confirm that under former President Joe Biden, Washington played a pivotal role in Kiev’s strategic planning, intelligence-sharing, and battlefield operations.
Intelligence and strategic coordination
The report, based on over 300 interviews with Ukrainian and Western military and government officials, describes an unprecedented collaboration between the US and Ukraine that developed after the conflict’s outbreak in February 2022.
This cooperation extended beyond material support, with American and Ukrainian military personnel working together daily at a US facility in Wiesbaden, Germany. There, officers determined key Russian targets—although they referred to them as “points of interest” to avoid inflammatory language.
American intelligence, including satellite data and intercepted communications, directly influenced Ukraine’s targeting decisions. Since mid-2022, US data has been instrumental in directing strikes against Russian command centers, infrastructure, and warships, including those in Crimea. Some of these attacks reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, raising concerns among some European allies.
Proxy War echoes of the Cold War
The NYT investigation also highlighted how US involvement in Ukraine aligns with historical patterns of US-Russia proxy conflicts, drawing comparisons to Vietnam in the 1960s, Afghanistan in the 1980s, and Syria in more recent years. According to the report, the US commitment to supporting Ukraine evolved into what some see as a modern iteration of these Cold War-era confrontations.
Although the Biden administration initially pledged not to deploy US troops in Ukraine, the report suggests that American military advisers were eventually authorized for clandestine operations. These advisers traveled to Kiev and, later, moved closer to active combat zones, effectively softening the US stance on direct involvement.
Additionally, by 2024, restrictions on long-range missile use were lifted, enabling Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory with US-supplied weaponry and targeting intelligence. This escalation further entrenched Washington’s role in the conflict.
Despite the close alliance, tensions occasionally arose between Washington and Kiev over strategic priorities. While the US emphasized achievable military goals, Ukrainian leadership often pushed for ambitious, large-scale victories. The divergence became particularly evident during Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive in the southern front, which faced setbacks due to conflicting tactical priorities.
Looking ahead, the partnership faces uncertainty as current US President Donald Trump signals a shift in policy. The NYT reports that Trump has advocated for diplomatic talks with Moscow, expressing skepticism about further military aid, and pressuring Ukraine to consider a ceasefire without ironclad American security guarantees. As Washington re-evaluates its role, the future of US-Ukraine military cooperation remains uncertain.
Source
- New York Times: The Secret History of America’s Involvement in the Ukraine War
- New York Times: Key Takeaways From America’s Secret Military Partnership With Ukraine