The war shifts

For now, Russia has given up on taking Kyiv.

For the medium term, Ukraine will now survive. But for its soldiers there is no respite, for having had its first objective denied Moscow has turned its gaze on the Donbas, where a major offensive is imminent.

[...]

For the Ukrainians the next month will be costly but potentially decisive. If Russia seizes the Donbas it can go firm and can pause while it brings up reserves for a summer offensive. On the other hand, if Russia fails to hit its objectives then many of its units will find themselves thrust forwards and exposed, at risk of persistent attrition like the troops who recently retreated from Kyiv.

For the Ukrainian military the priorities for the battle in the Donbas differ slightly from what was needed for the urban defence. A consistent supply of anti-tank missiles and man-portable air-defence systems will remain invaluable. But the force will also need loitering munitions to target Russian air defences and artillery, creating opportunities for Ukrainian helicopters to resupply isolated units. They will need protected mobility to move their troops safely to new defensive positions. They will need a considerable quantity of artillery ammunition.

[...]

The rate of Ukrainian equipment loss in the Donbas is likely to be higher than in the first phase of the conflict. If Ukraine is to be ready for the battle beyond the Donbas it will need to reconstitute some of its units. Now is the time, therefore, to begin supplying longer-term aid to regain the initiative.

  Guardian

Many, if not most, of us Americans did not realize that there has been war in the Donbas for the past 8 years, ever since Russia took Crimea. And this should remind us that Trump was withholding money for the arms they needed to pressure Zelensky to announce investigation into Hunter biden. We need to make up for that as much as we can.  Give the Ukrainians everything they need and ask for. 

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.