One Year After Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Time for the U.S. and Its Allies to Provide Support
One year ago today, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.[0] Tens of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians have died, and millions have been displaced.[1] Eight million Ukrainians have fled to Europe and Russia and another six million have been internally displaced.[2] Ukraine’s economy is in shambles, with its infrastructure and environment severely damaged.[2] Despite the odds, Ukraine has made remarkable gains and has been able to recapture more than half of the territory occupied by Russia in the early stages of the war.[3]
The U.S. and its allies have responded with weapons, training, intelligence sharing and diplomatic coordination. The U.S. has even sent Ukraine Abrams tanks, night vision goggles and the Army Tactical Missile System.[4] Ukraine must retake specific areas under Russian occupation to ensure its long-term security and economic viability, both of which are in U.S. interests.[5] NATO’s security would be enhanced by Ukrainian forces liberating Crimea.[5]
Russia has made little headway in its offensive, as its newly mobilized troops are inexperienced and unable to mount coordinated offensives.[3] Russia's strategy of a swift capture of Kyiv and toppling of the government has failed, as Ukraine has fought more valiantly and effectively than anticipated. Putin has vowed to keep up his disastrous fight indefinitely, and he may soon have more help from a powerful ally.[6]
In order to win the war, Ukraine needs further timely and sustained support from the U.S. and its partners. Winning this war is within Ukraine's grasp, yet time is of the utmost importance[5] As Russia is given more time to rebuild its forces and Western unity is weakened, the chances of an increase in tensions rises.[5] A ceasefire in favor of the Kremlin would only provide a temporary respite from Russia's assaults, diminishing the possibility of Ukraine fortifying itself against extended Russian hostility.[5] The U.S. and its partners must ensure Ukraine receives timely and lasting support to enable the Ukrainian counteroffensives necessary to liberate Ukraine’s territory and destroy Russia’s military power.
Ukraine’s desire to join NATO may partially explain why Russia launched its full-scale invasion. NATO membership would provide Ukraine with protection from a similar situation in the future. The U.S. and its allies must continue to provide military, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine in order to secure Ukrainian victories. Defeating Russia is essential for Ukraine's security, Europe's prosperity, and the world's stability. Ukraine can win this war, but the U.S.[5]
0. “Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, 1-Year Anniversary: We Must Discuss U.S. Involvement” Esquire, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a43024400/ukraine-war-russia-invasion-american-aid/
1. “Ukrainians on first anniversary of Russia’s war: ‘I worry a lot’” Al Jazeera English, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/24/ukrainians-on-first-anniversary-of-russias-war-i-worry-a-lot
2. “After one year of war in Ukraine, what’s next?” Vox.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.vox.com/world-politics/23600837/ukraine-war-russia-whats-next
3. “Ukraine war one year anniversary: How the war might likely end” Slate, 24 Feb. 2023, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/02/how-the-ukraine-war-is-likely-to-end.html
4. “Lessons Congress has learned one year into the Ukraine war” Defense News, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2023/02/23/lessons-congress-has-learned-one-year-into-the-ukraine-war/
5. “What the West Must Do Now to Help Ukraine Win the War” TIME, 24 Feb. 2023, https://time.com/6258132/what-the-west-must-help-ukraine-win-war/
6. “Why Can't Russia Figure Out How to Win?” New York Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023, https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/02/why-cant-russia-figure-out-how-to-win-in-ukraine.html
