The White House is intensifying its efforts to reach a bipartisan agreement on providing military aid for Ukraine and Israel, as well as tightening US border security, according to Senator Chris Murphy, a lead Democratic negotiator. However, progress has been slow, with Republicans insisting on coupling additional funding for Ukraine with major changes to border security. The Biden administration has expressed openness to new limits on US asylum as part of a potential compromise.

Meanwhile, time is running short, with less than a week before the US Congress goes on a Christmas break. Failure to secure more aid for Ukraine by year-end could have catastrophic consequences for the country's ability to fight against Russian aggression. The impasse in Congress has been exacerbated by Republican demands for changes to immigration and border policies, which have put Democrats off the negotiating table.

Talks have also been complicated by the GOP's attempts to shift the debate to the right. Despite the challenges, both sides have expressed a willingness to engage further to try and find a solution. However, the path to a deal remains uncertain, particularly given the deep divisions and competing priorities surrounding the issue.