Ukraine's Spring Counteroffensive: A Test for Army Resolve with Biden's Stake

Ukraine is preparing for a spring offensive against Russia to break its hold on southern and eastern Ukraine. If successful, Putin could agree to peace talks on terms acceptable to Ukraine. However, if Ukraine fails, the conflict is likely to devolve into a long war of attrition. The war also has a Western front in the domestic politics of the United States and its European allies, which have given Ukraine the military and economic aid it needs to survive. Biden has promised to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” to defeat Russia, but support has weakened as the war has become longer and more expensive. The outcome of the spring offensive is likely to further affect public opinion.