In a show of solidarity, President Joe Biden assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday that the United States will not abandon Ukraine in its desperate fight against Russia. The pledge was made during a joint press conference at the White House, where Biden stated emphatically, "I will not walk away from Ukraine and neither will the American people."

Despite the united front displayed at the press conference, there is a growing division among lawmakers on Capitol Hill regarding the extension of US war funding for Ukraine. Leading Republicans are indicating their opposition to renewing Ukraine aid, demanding that Democrats first agree to major immigration reforms. Some Republicans even question the need to continue the war against Russian invasion.

While Zelensky expressed cautious optimism that the stalled US aid flow would restart, Moscow dismissed the impact of US support, claiming that previous funds provided to Ukraine did not contribute to their success on the battlefield. Russia has recently made fresh battlefield advances while casting doubt on the effectiveness of any new assistance for Kyiv.

The Biden administration has requested $60 billion in new aid for Ukraine, but Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed reservations, stating that the request lacks appropriate oversight and a clear strategy for victory. Republican Senator JD Vance, who is closely aligned with former President Donald Trump, took to social media to criticize Zelensky for allegedly pressuring the Senate, calling it "gross."

Meanwhile, Russia continues its aggression on the ground, as Ukrainian cities experience increased air attacks and a new "massive offensive" is reported near Avdiivka in the east. Ukraine's main mobile operator has also suffered a powerful hacker attack, further exacerbating the challenges faced by civilians in the conflict zone.

The United States maintains that Russia is paying a heavy price for its gains, with over 315,000 Russian troops killed or wounded since February 2022. According to a declassified US intelligence assessment shared with Congress, Russian forces have lost a significant number of tanks in the conflict. However, Russia's strategy appears to be banking on a military deadlock during the winter months, hoping it will drain Western support for Ukraine while giving them the advantage.

As the United States deliberates its future policy towards Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister-Designate Donald Tusk has called for full mobilization and support of Ukraine from the free world and the West.

The fate of US aid for Ukraine remains uncertain as political and military challenges loom ahead. The situation calls for international attention and cooperation to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.