U.S. aid for Ukraine remains blocked in Congress. This obstacle is having an "impact" on the front lines, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The Ukrainian army is facing an "extremely complex" situation, especially in the eastern areas of Avdiivka and Kupiansk, where it is notably lacking weapons. Ukrainians "will find themselves in a weaker position if they do not receive the ammunition, air defense systems, and other equipment they need," said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Wednesday, February 14.

As a reminder, a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel—including $60 billion earmarked for Kyiv—has been promised by the United States for months but remains stalled in Congress due to a veto by Republican lawmakers who refuse to consider the bill as it stands.

This situation highlights the dilemma caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine for America’s key ally, particularly the Joe Biden administration, which, in this election year, could face consequences for its unwavering support of Ukraine. Beyond that, the current difficulties faced by Ukrainian forces on various fronts underscore, if further proof was needed, the military fragility of the European Union. Without U.S. support, Europe appears unable to secure military victories on its own soil. Since states rarely have friends but rather interests to defend, it is more necessary than ever to build a European defense capable of granting the region the strategic autonomy it seems to need.