Washington is increasingly discussing new support packages for Ukraine, while signs of military and economic exhaustion are accumulating in Russia. American lawmakers are pushing a bill on additional aid to Kyiv, and Western analysts are questioning the Kremlin’s ability to achieve its stated war goals. Against this backdrop, discussions are ongoing about the future of the Putin regime, the prospects for negotiations, and Europe’s long-term security.
US House of Representatives Supports Advancement of Ukraine Support Bill
The US House of Representatives has supported a procedural voted that paves the way for consideration of the Ukraine Support Act bill. 218 congressmen voted for the relevant decision, including not only Democrats but also six Republicans. The document provides for the allocation of $8 billion in military credits to Ukraine, the extension of the USAI program until 2027, and the introduction of additional sanctions against Russia. The vote was a significant political signal amid criticism from Donald Trump of continued support for Kyiv.
The bill’s author, Congressman Gregory Meeks, said the vote demonstrates Congress’s commitment to Ukraine’s fight for freedom and democracy. Supporters of the bill say its passage is especially important amid increasing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and calls from Kyiv to provide additional Patriot missiles. Critics, however, say some of its provisions are outdated and in need of revision. Despite support in the House of Representatives, the bill’s prospects for further consideration in the Senate remain uncertain due to the position of the White House and some Republicans.
Putin increasingly faces the consequences of a protracted war, analysts say
European officials and analysts believe that the latest escalation of Russian strikes on Ukraine is linked to growing problems that Russia is experiencing on the front and in the economy. According to The Washington Post, the Russian offensive is slowing down, financial resources are gradually being depleted, and Ukrainian drone strikes on rear areas are creating additional pressure on military logistics. According to the newspaper’s interlocutors, the Kremlin is trying to compensate for these difficulties by intensifying rhetoric and new attacks on Ukrainian cities. Some Russian experts are already publicly questioning the feasibility of the initial goals of the war.
The article also notes that Russia is facing growing budget problems, a shortage of human resources, and difficulties in replenishing the army. Economists draw attention to the increasing budget deficit and the need to reduce government spending in many areas. At the same time, Ukrainian strikes on transport routes in the occupied territories are making it difficult to supply troops and fuel. Some Western officials suggest that at the current pace of depletion, the Kremlin may be forced to either resort to unpopular mobilization or look for opportunities to suspend active hostilities.
Historian Anthony Beevor linked the brutality of Russia's war to historical traditions of violence
British historian Anthony Beevor, in a column for The Washington Post analyzed the historical background to the brutality demonstrated by Russian troops during the war against Ukraine. The author draws attention to mass crimes against civilians, in particular the massacre in Bucha, and draws parallels with the centuries-old traditions of violence in the history of the Russian state. In his opinion, the idea that cruelty is a natural tool of war has been formed in Russian society for centuries. Beevor also recalls the crimes of the Soviet period, repressions, mass rapes during World War II, and the cultivation of violence in the army.
The author notes that the modern Russian military system continues to reproduce many practices of the past. According to him, mobilized and contract soldiers often become victims of abuse, coercion, and cruel treatment by their own command. Beevor also draws attention to the use of foreign mercenaries and citizens of other countries who are recruited to participate in the war. In his opinion, the current war demonstrates not only the political ambitions of the Kremlin, but also deeper historical problems of Russian society and the state system.
Putin is trapped in his own war, - The New York Times
Review article on The New York Times is devoted to how a full-scale war against Ukraine affects Russia itself and the political system built by Vladimir Putin. The authors note that the Kremlin has managed to avoid economic collapse and continues to finance the war, but this does not mean that it has achieved its goals. Despite some successes on the front, Russia has no obvious path to a decisive victory, and the possibilities for further escalation remain limited. At the same time, refusing to go to war or agreeing to a compromise also create serious political risks for Putin.
The article emphasizes that the current system of power has effectively tied Russia’s future to the continuation of the war. The authors believe that a significant part of Russian society is feeling fatigue and disappointment, but has no mechanisms to influence political decisions. The gradual deterioration of the economic situation and attacks on Russian territory are increasingly affecting ordinary citizens. According to observers, the end of the Putin era may become one of the most difficult challenges for Russia in the future.
Rubio denies the presence of the US delegation at the forum in St. Petersburg
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, that he knew nothing about the alleged official American delegation that was supposed to visit the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The relevant information was previously disseminated by Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov. During the Senate hearings, Rubio emphasized that he knew about the existence of the forum, but had no information about the participation of any official delegation from the US government in it. He also expressed doubt that these were high-level representatives.
The topic arose during a discussion with Senator Dick Durbin, who mentioned Ukraine's recent strikes on St. Petersburg and their impact on the forum. Durbin also drew attention to reports of actor Steven Seagal's presence at the event. In response, Rubio noted that he knew Seagal, but he is not a US civil servant. The Secretary of State's statement effectively refuted previous reports from the Russian side about the participation of an official American delegation in the forum.
The political review was formed based on materials from the personal special issue of VM resident Orest Deychakivsky
Photo: Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Reuters
Author: Danylo Pievchev