WASHINGTON — With a war many thought would be over in days bogging down into a protracted conflict, the U.S. and its NATO allies are recalibrating their response, scaling up defense aid for Ukraine as it digs in for a longer fight with Russian forces.
But even as President Joe Biden has vowed not to let Russia win, it’s not at all clear an enhanced response will help Ukraine win the war or avoid a yearslong conflict that is likely to strain the trans-Atlantic alliance, cost billions in additional aid, further disrupt global economic markets and lead to more bloodshed on the front lines.
“It’s going to be a different kind of war, and there has to be a greater urgency,” said Eric Edelman, a former undersecretary of defense. “If Russia isn’t successful right away, Ukraine might still hold a strategic advantage in the long term. But that depends on how long they can absorb casualties and maintain a will to fight, and how long the West can keep this up.”
