The escalation in tensions between Ukraine and Russia following last week’s attack on the Kremlin has brought the conflict to a new level of intensity. The situation is highly complex and has significant implications for the region and beyond. The US has accused Russia of faking the attack, leading to heightened concerns about the future of the war. CIA Director Leon Panetta told CNN that the Russians might have faked the attack, prompting Moscow to deny this allegation and assert that Ukraine was responsible. There is evidence from both sides regarding the alleged drone attack. Therefore, the international community must approach the situation critically and avoid jumping to conclusions based on partisan interests. In this regard, the US should support an independent investigation. Such an investigation could help shed light on the situation and provide a basis for resolving the war. One significant development in the conflict is Russia’s increased frequency of thwarting US-made mobile rocket systems in Ukraine. Recent months have seen an uptick in such incidents. This trend is concerning, as it indicates a growing escalation of the conflict and highlights the need for international efforts to de-escalate tensions. On the other hand, Ukraine has been stepping up its defensive measures in response to these threats. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk on Saturday reported that a Kinzhal-type ballistic missile had been intercepted in an overnight attack on Kyiv. This was the Ukrainians’ first known use of the US Patriot missile defense system. While such measures may help to deter further attacks, they also raise concerns about where the conflict is going. While Washington has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv since the conflict began, it is essential to recognize the situation’s complexity. The Biden administration needs to take a balanced and constructive approach to the problem. The US should encourage both Ukraine and Russia to engage in a meaningful dialogue to find a peaceful solution to their brutal war. As a major global power, the US has significant influence in the region and it must use this influence to encourage all parties involved to engage in dialogue. US President Joe Biden should play a decisive role in de-escalating the dangerous tensions. He must work with his allies in Europe and the wider international community to promote an immediate solution. The ongoing war has had far-reaching consequences for the US and its allies. It has highlighted the need for a firm and proactive foreign policy that puts American interests first. America has learned some important lessons from the ongoing war in Europe. Firstly, it has exposed the weakness of the Obama administration’s foreign policy, which Biden helped carry out, as it was characterized by a reluctance to engage in conflicts abroad. The decision to draw a “red line” in Syria and not follow through with military action when the line was crossed sent a clear message to America’s allies that it was unwilling to take a firm stand on important issues. This lack of resolve emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin, who saw an opportunity to expand Russia’s influence in Eastern Europe. Secondly, the war has highlighted the importance of NATO and the need for the US to maintain its commitment to the alliance. As Russia has become increasingly aggressive in the region, NATO has been instrumental in deterring this aggression and protecting the sovereignty of its member states. This highlights the importance of maintaining solid military alliances to promote stability and prevent aggression in regions of strategic importance. It is clear that the escalation of the war could become a significant political liability for Biden and the Democratic Party. Dalia Al-Aqidi Thirdly, the conflict has brought the need for energy independence to the forefront. Russia has used its control over energy supplies as a tool of political coercion, particularly in Eastern Europe. By reducing reliance on foreign energy sources, the US can limit the ability of hostile regimes to manipulate global energy markets and undermine the security of its allies. Finally, the war has underscored the need for a strong military and robust defense spending. Russia has modernized its military and is willing to use force to achieve its objectives. The US is also facing challenges from regimes such as the one in North Korea. Therefore, the US must ensure its military is equipped to meet these challenges and its troops have the necessary resources to carry out their missions. The million-dollar question is what should the US do to end the war? The US must be cautious not to engage in actions that could further escalate the situation, such as provocative military maneuvers. It also needs to recognize that the conflict has a significant human toll and it should work to provide humanitarian aid to those who need it. The US should promote confidence-building measures between Ukraine and Russia. These could include measures to reduce military tensions, such as the two sides withdrawing troops from border regions. Washington could also promote economic cooperation between Ukraine and Russia, which could help build trust and promote dialogue between the two countries. Ultimately, the key to resolving the conflict is for both Ukraine and Russia to engage in meaningful dialogue to find a peaceful solution. The US can play a constructive role in promoting such dialogue and encouraging both sides to engage in the process. The White House must also recognize the situation’s complexity and work to promote a balanced approach that considers the interests of all parties involved. The war in Ukraine has been a major foreign policy challenge for the Biden administration and it is likely to have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election. While foreign policy issues typically do not dominate US elections, they can play a decisive role in shaping the debate and influencing voter sentiment. The conflict in Ukraine is likely to be a vital issue, particularly if it continues to escalate. Biden’s supporters and opponents alike will closely scrutinize the president’s handling of the war. Biden’s decision to provide military aid to Ukraine and his commitment to supporting Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has been praised by many in the international community, including some of his political allies. However, his critics argue that he has not done enough to deter Russian aggression in the region. It is clear that the escalation of the war could become a significant political liability for Biden and the Democratic Party. Republicans could use the conflict to criticize Biden’s foreign policy record and paint him as weak on Russia. Some Republican candidates could even use the conflict as a wedge issue to appeal to voters who prioritize national security and foreign policy issues. Dalia Al-Aqidi is a senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy. Twitter: @DaliaAlAqidi