As the U.S. Congress continues to dither unconscionably over the funding of additional military assistance for Ukraine, that nation’s fate, and its aspirations for an independent, democratic future hang perilously in the balance. So, too, do the entire fortunes of Europe.

Sensing U.S. and western weakness, Russian President Vladimir Putin is upping the ante, more than doubling the number of troops committed to the invasion of Ukraine, increasing munitions manufacturing — an estimated seven times faster than the West — and exploiting influence and weaponry from such unsavoury partners as China, Iran and North Korea. Economic sanctions deployed against Russia are better known for the degree to which they are ignored than for any notable success.