The war waged by Russia against Ukraine is now approaching its first anniversary. Thus far, the U.S. has directed nearly $50 billion in assistance to Ukraine, which includes humanitarian, financial, and military support, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research institute. Some Americans, especially Republicans who now control the House of Representatives, are complaining about the cost and proposing that we reduce our expenditures in support of Ukraine. My position is that we should, if anything, increase them.
Let us remember what’s at stake here. Vladimir Putin, the dictator with iron control over Russia, invaded Ukraine last February without provocation. His purpose was to conquer his tiny neighbor and annex its territory. None of us expected that Ukraine would survive more than a few weeks or months. To the amazement of the world, spunky little Ukraine not only blunted the Russian invasion but even seized back territory that Russia captured in the beginning. Meanwhile, nearly the whole world sided with Ukraine against Russia and has been contributing to the Ukrainian effort to hold off and eventually drive out the Russians.
My best guess is that Russia will eventually prevail and will hold much of what once was the independent nation of Ukraine. But the feisty Ukrainians won’t surrender. They will resort to guerrilla warfare and wear down the Russians until they give up and withdraw.
So I urge my fellow Americans not to falter in their assistance to Ukraine. That noble little country deserves every penny we can give them in aid. And Russia needs to learn that it cannot invade with impunity.
Hang in there, folks. The long-term result will be well worth the cost.
Tom Glenn, Writer 