"Assessment of Russia's Escalating Offensive in Ukraine"

Russia's capture of Avdiivka has led to continued gains in Ukraine, with concerns growing about U.S. support for Kyiv's forces. Ukrainian defenses are strained, and the delay in Western aid threatens to give Russia the initiative. President Zelensky revealed 31,000 Ukrainian troop casualties, and the country's reliance on older age groups for defense is causing demographic and economic challenges. The deployment of F-16 fighter jets is hoped to bolster Ukraine's capabilities, but their impact may not be felt until the second half of 2024.