Throughout his current shock go to to Ukraine, Joe Biden strutted out in entrance of press cameras with Volodymyr Zelensky to the sound of pre-planned air raid sirens and declared America’s ongoing assist for the nation’s battle efforts.  Biden’s look was coordinated with the announcement of a $2.5 billion weapons bundle, the thirtieth such bundle previously 12 months.  Nevertheless, what was not talked about is that NATO has been shifting into older armor automobiles reminiscent of MRAPS and lowering precious provides of anti-tank weapons just like the Javelin. 

In line with the inventories of a number of NATO nations, there has truly been a draw down of shipments as provides change into strained.  Considerations are rising amongst NATO officers that they will be unable to proceed arming Ukraine whereas additionally sustaining their very own readiness, however the Biden Administration seems intent on a minimum of giving the looks that US backing is stronger than ever.

Some confusion surrounds the precise targets of NATO backed Ukraine forces, as officers speak about not solely taking again the Donbas, but in addition taking again Crimea which has been in Russian palms since 2014.  These sentiments could sound like optimistic rhetoric designed to encourage, however they’re definitely not lifelike given the big selection of defenses that Russia is establishing to stall any strategy.  To not point out, reviews of counter actions in the Donetsk and Luhansk areas counsel the Russians are efficiently concentrating on Ukrainian items – Even Zelensky overtly admitted that the scenario in Donetsk was “very tough.”

After Biden’s dramatic show in Ukraine, he went on to Warsaw, Poland to provide a speech on the growing battle.  Certainly one of his statements particularly deserves additional evaluation:

Biden: “All throughout my nation in large cities and small cities, Ukrainian flags fly from American properties.” pic.twitter.com/xFnFVxvVQo

— Greg Worth (@greg_price11) February 21, 2023

Biden proudly proclaims that Ukrainian flags are flying above properties in small cities and huge cities throughout America, insinuating that almost all of Individuals are in full assist of what many now understand to be a proxy battle.  Polls present American public assist for Ukraine support is waning, with conservatives dropping all religion within the venture.  The story of Ukraine flags flying throughout the US can be merely false.  Normally, you might be are more likely to see a “Let’s Go Brandon” flag over the entrance door of an American house than you might be to see a Ukrainian flag.

However why is Biden attempting to hype up Ukrainians utilizing dishonest rhetoric? Biden’s shock look and the introduced weapons bundle feels extra like a last-ditched effort to rally Ukraine in opposition to an impending onslaught he is aware of is coming quickly.  Both that, or it’s an try and puff up, a show to point out Putin that NATO continues to be very a lot within the sport and distract from the fact that weapons provides are faltering.

The flag remark may be supposed to provide Ukrainians the misunderstanding that Individuals will ultimately assist direct troop deployment to the area, which shouldn’t be essential except Ukraine’s footing within the battle isn’t as robust as has been asserted.  It could be true that there are US advisers and even perhaps particular forces on the bottom in Ukraine, however the majority of US residents are vehemently opposed to open warfare with Russia.  In different phrases, “boots on the bottom” isn’t going to occur with out mass opposition and instability at house.  

At backside, the Biden go to with Zelensky and his weird claims in Poland sign a coming change within the battle that’s not but clear.