Official: Ukraine in a Challenging Situation due to Biden’s Policies and Aid Delays

President Joe Biden’s administration is putting Ukraine “on the back foot” and causing delays in aid essential to fighting Russia, giving the larger nation the upper hand as it advances into Ukraine near Kharkiv, according to George Barros, the Institute for the Study of War’s Russia team lead.

Barros told the New York Post that Ukraine is being dictated by the policies of the Biden administration, hindering its war effort due to delays in aid and restrictions on using U.S. weapons to strike Russian targets across the border.

This has forced Ukraine to react to Russia and retreat further, despite the announcement of $275 million in aid to replenish weaponry. The delays are not only affecting military operations but also causing morale issues among Ukrainian troops.

According to Barros, Ukrainian forces feel abandoned and demoralized due to setbacks on the battlefield and delays in receiving aid. The lack of materials and equipment is making it difficult for them to defend themselves effectively.

While the U.S. has signed a supplemental aid package for Ukraine, the slow delivery of American weaponry is giving Russia the advantage in the conflict. Even when the supplies arrive, Ukraine may struggle to push back against Russia, especially with restrictions on hitting Russian troops inside their borders.

Efforts to ease the policy against strikes in Russia have come too late for Ukraine, as Russian forces continue their assault on Kharkiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the U.S. policy for giving Russia an advantage, as Ukraine lacks the advanced technology and firepower of American weapons.

Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland has called for using U.S. weapons to hit targets over Russia’s border, arguing that it should be “fair game” given the escalating situation in Ukraine.