Putin says he will run for re-election in March;

Putin says he will run for re-election in March; U.S. aid hangs in balance after failed vote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday gave his first public confirmation that he plans to run for re-election in March 2024, according to state media.

Putin made the comment during a medal-giving ceremony, Tass reported.

His participation in the vote scheduled for March 17 — which was widely expected — is all-but guaranteed to deliver him a fifth term in power amid widespread repression of political opposition.

Meanwhile, the fate of U.S. aid for Ukraine hangs in the balance — little progress has been made since Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an emergency spending bill to provide billions in funds for Kyiv, Israel and domestic security for the Mexican border.

Republicans, many of whom are growing wary of the level of U.S. funding for Ukraine, are leveraging the bill to seek tighter immigration controls on the U.S. border with Mexico. Biden has indicated some willingness to make changes on border policy to pass what he argues is a crucial support package for Ukraine, the U.S. and the world, but the issue remains in limbo.

The White House warned earlier this week that U.S. provision of military supplies to Ukraine will likely run out by the end of the year without the release of additional funds.

Moscow on Thursday expressed hope the bill would continue to be obstructed.

In Ukraine, troops continue to fight to recapture territory and reinforce defensive lines as harsh winter conditions set in.

Officials reported heavy Russian use of aerial attacks in eastern Ukraine, as well as a switch to the use of smaller attack groups unleashing heavy fire in the intense struggle for the bombarded city of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region.