The Memo: US faces big test as Ukraine war enters new phase

The war in Ukraine is entering a new phase — and that is bringing new challenges for President Biden and other western leaders.

The question facing the White House is whether the American public will stay emotionally engaged with the war.

If they do, they will likely be willing to accept continued costs, such as elevated gas prices, in pursuit of the bigger goal of pushing back the Russian invasion. If they are not, it could weaken the sanctions process over time and give Russian President Vladimir Putin leeway to recover from early setbacks.