US Support Crucial for Ukraine and Israel to Counter Russian Influence

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Russia would succeed in Ukraine unless the United States continued its support for Kyiv. President Biden has requested $106 billion to fund plans for Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security, with $61.4 billion allocated for Ukraine. Austin emphasized that pulling support would only strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin and enable him to achieve his objectives. However, the path forward for Biden's funding plan remains uncertain, as some Republicans object to combining Ukraine aid with support for Israel. Kyiv military officials reported that Russia has increased its forces near Bakhmut and shifted from defense to offense, but Ukraine is prepared to repel the attacks.