Urgent Funding Needed to Support Ukraine's War Efforts

The narrative that the U.S.-backed Ukrainian war effort is failing is spreading, with some individuals expressing glee. However, this assessment may be overly pessimistic, as last-minute dealmaking between Congress and the White House is still possible, and alternative options such as using Lend-Lease authority or transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukraine for military purposes are being considered. While the Ukrainian counteroffensive cannot be considered a success, it also cannot be seen as a fiasco, and evidence suggests that Russia is facing difficulties on the frontlines. The failure of the counteroffensive can be attributed, in part, to disagreements between Ukrainian commanders and their Western allies, as well as delays in the delivery of weapons and logistical problems. Despite a drop in overall pledges of assistance, Western aid remains essential, as an acceptable peace agreement is unlikely due to Russia's demands for capitulation. The possibility of Ukraine being thrown under the bus is real, and such a betrayal would not only be tragic for Ukraine but also self-defeating for the West in its confrontation with authoritarian forces.