More US aid will help Ukraine avoid defeat in its war with Russia. Winning is another matter

By JILL LAWLESS and SAMYA KULLAB
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A new package of $61 billion in U.S. aid may prevent Ukraine from losing its war against Russia. But winning it will be a long slog. The aid approval means Ukraine may be able to release artillery ammunition that it has been rationing. The difference could be felt within days on the front line. That may help slow Russian troops, who are taking territory against massively outgunned Ukrainian forces. And the new aid will buy Ukraine time for long-term planning about how to turn the tide. Many military experts believe that neither Ukraine nor Russia is capable of mounting a major offensive until next year. But Russia is pushing forward along the front line, and Ukraine says it desperately needs artillery ammunition and air defenses to counter the assaults.