The Russian war against Ukraine, according to many experts, should have lasted less than a week. But now it's been going on for three months.. Now is a good time for the US and its allies to take stock of all that has been achieved and to plan what to do next..

The Washington Post writes about this in an editorial, noting that there are many positive achievements. Thanks to the courage and determination of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, Russia did not win the quick victory that it dreamed of. She was forced to retreat from Kyiv, regroup and focus on the offensive in the southern and eastern parts of Ukraine. The US and NATO abandoned the strategy, which allowed for a high probability of an imminent Russian victory. Now allies help the Ukrainian resistance. In addition, despite all the expectations of Vladimir Putin, the alliance did not split.. He even took a tougher stance on economic sanctions.. Even Germany, previously opposed to pressure on Moscow, now supports a ban on Russian oil imports. NATO has not only not collapsed, it will even expand soon, providing membership to Finland and Sweden.

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However, according to the publication, an even more expensive and long struggle lies ahead.. Russia is trying to break through from the occupied parts of Donbass, as well as from Crimea, to encircle Ukrainian troops. To prevent this from happening, the Ukrainian army needs immediate deliveries of heavy weapons.. And in order for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to be able to launch a counteroffensive in late spring and early summer, even larger arms deliveries will be required in the coming weeks..

That is why President Joe Biden's request for $33 billion in aid to Ukraine, of which $20 billion will go to the country's military needs, is not only appropriate, but urgent.. And Congress must respond properly. The revived Lend-Lease system will also allow the US to beef up Ukraine's defenses for an extended period..

However, long-term commitment hides long-term danger. The more difficult Putin's position, the more he is inclined to simplify his problems by using even more brute force, or at least the threat of it.. That is why Moscow has recently tried to blackmail Europe with energy resources, talked about a proxy war between Russia and NATO, and also hinted at the use of nuclear weapons..

The publication notes that the old US policy towards Ukraine failed because, out of fear of provoking Putin, no one did anything to deter the aggressor..

Of course, this does not mean that the Biden administration should now rush in the opposite direction.. But given Ukraine's successes on the battlefield, as well as Europe's willingness to look for new sources of energy, we can move on to a policy of maximum firmness..

“The goal of Putin’s war is not to conquer Ukraine, but to destroy the international order as a whole. Therefore, the price and risks are worth it to take care of the failure of Russia, which after this conflict should become incapable of such aggression,” the article says..