from The Forum on Global Conflict Oversight
Why it's important that U.S. support of Ukraine remains steadfast
The Russian-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, is a ongoing conflict that has escalated in recent months. The war began as a result of ongoing tensions between the two countries over issues such as border disputes, Russian aggression in Ukraine, and the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014.Â
Blog Post by Cherry Wang
January 17, 2023
The current state of the war is tense, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and violations of ceasefires. The death toll has risen to thousands and the number of displaced persons continues to grow. The international community, including the United States, has condemned Russia's actions and imposed economic sanctions in response. Despite the ongoing violence and human suffering, it is important for the United States to maintain its support for Ukraine, both financially and diplomatically. Such support is critical for ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as promoting stability and security in the region.
Benefits
One key benefit of maintaining support for Ukraine is that it helps to contain Russian aggression and expansionism. By providing Ukraine with the resources and diplomatic backing it needs to defend itself, the United States can help to deter further Russian aggression and limit the potential for further territorial expansion. Additionally, supporting Ukraine is also in the best interests of the United States. Ukraine is a key strategic partner in the region and maintaining a stable, democratic Ukraine is important for the security and prosperity of the United States and Europe.
Furthermore, maintaining support for Ukraine will also have a positive impact on Russia, as it sends a message that aggressive behavior and territorial expansion will not be tolerated by the international community. It will also encourage Russia to engage in constructive dialogue with the Ukraine and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Another way in which American support has helped Ukraine is through the provision of advanced military equipment and technology. The United States has supplied Ukraine with a wide range of weapons, including anti-tank missiles, drones, and radar systems. These weapons have greatly improved the Ukrainian military's ability to defend itself against Russian aggression and have played a key role in depleting the capacity of the Russian Armed Forces. American support has also enabled Ukraine to improve its military training and tactics. The United States has provided training to Ukrainian military personnel in various fields, including counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, logistics and maintenance, and intelligence. This training has significantly improved the Ukrainian military's ability to effectively engage in combat and has played a critical role in depleting the Russian Armed Forces capacity.
Additionally, American diplomatic support has been instrumental in building international support for Ukraine and isolating Russia diplomatically. The United States has been a key leader in rallying the international community in support of Ukraine and in imposing economic sanctions on Russia. This diplomatic pressure has significantly weakened the Russian military's ability to operate freely and has played a critical role in depleting its capacity. It is clear that American support has played a crucial role in helping Ukraine to deplete the capacity of the Russian Armed Forces. Thanks to this support, Ukraine has been able to significantly improve its military capabilities and tactics, which have enabled it to more effectively engage in combat and deter Russian aggression. With continued American support, it is likely that Ukraine will be able to further degrade the Russian Armed Forces capacity and promote stability in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war is a tragic and complex conflict that has caused immense suffering to the people of Ukraine. However, it is important for the United States to maintain its support for Ukraine, both financially and diplomatically. Such support will help to contain Russian aggression, promote stability in the region, and support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It will also have a positive impact on Russia, encouraging them to engage in peaceful dialogue with Ukraine and find a resolution to the conflict.
January 17, 2023
Authored by: Cherry Wang, Director of Defense & Security Policy Research
