It’s Not Too Late for the US to Back Ukraine

It’s Not Too Late for the US to Back Ukraine – For Its Own Benefit

In an era where President Donald Trump refers to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "dictator" and expresses a preference for economic ties with Russia over Canada, it can be difficult to maintain hope. Trump's administration seems set on doubling down on its controversial positions, including a very public and personal dispute with Zelenskyy, which appears to undermine the US-Ukraine relationship at a crucial time. With the ongoing Russian invasion marking its third anniversary, many are concerned that the US might prioritize China over Ukraine, but there’s still room for a reversal of course, as experience shows that such diplomatic approaches often backfire.

Why the US Must Support Ukraine: Self-Interest and Strategic Necessity
Despite the apparent setbacks in the US-Ukraine relationship, there are compelling America-first reasons for the US to continue supporting Ukraine. Strengthening Ukraine’s defense serves a number of key US interests:

Deterring Russian Expansion: By standing firm against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the US helps prevent further Russian advances in Europe and undermines Russian ambitions to destabilize the continent. This is vital for limiting the Kremlin’s reach in the region and beyond.
Stymieing Chinese Ambition: A strong US presence in Europe, through support for Ukraine, serves to counterbalance Chinese power. If Russia is left unchecked, it could embolden China, threatening US interests globally, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
Economic Gain for the US: The US defense industry stands to profit significantly from continued arms sales to Ukraine and Europe. Russia’s economy, meanwhile, continues to be hurt by sanctions, benefiting US strategic interests.
Demonstrating Strength: Refusing to give in to Russian demands shows the US at its strongest, while continuing to support Ukraine solidifies its position as a global leader, capable of holding firm against adversarial powers.
Boosting Trump’s Image: If Trump were to continue supporting Ukraine and help secure its sovereignty, it could boost his image, even presenting him with the potential for an international accolade such as a Nobel Peace Prize. His focus on America’s security and economic well-being could solidify his standing globally.

The Danger of Appeasing Russia
The common narrative that the best way to engage with Russia is through appeasement, particularly by compromising with it on Ukraine, has proven to be disastrous. Previous Western leaders—German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Barack Obama, and others—have repeatedly tried to engage with Russia, only to see those efforts fail. Merkel’s attempts at cooperation through energy projects, and Obama’s “reset” with Russia, ultimately failed because Russia has consistently sought to undermine Western interests.

Trump’s potential to compel Russia to comply through diplomacy or concessions is built on a flawed understanding of Russian politics. Putin’s foreign policy is driven by a deep-seated opposition to US interests. It is unlikely that a temporary thaw in US-Russia relations would be anything more than a pause for Russia to reconstitute its military and economy. In the long run, it would likely resume hostilities.

Russia’s Intractability and the Need for Pressure
Russia’s ongoing war effort is fundamentally tied to its economy and regime stability. While temporarily engaging with Trump may benefit Russia, it would be a mistake to believe that the Kremlin sees the US as an ally. In fact, Russia has spent years positioning the US as its primary adversary. Any temporary shift in relations will not change this deep-seated animosity.

A key lesson for US security officials is to recognize that Russia’s long-term strategy is to weaken the US, and the best way to counter this is by continuing to support Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has already succeeded in degrading Russia’s military capacity and economic stability, dealing Russia serious blows.

Economic and Geopolitical Gains from Supporting Ukraine
Trump’s approach should focus on recognizing Russia’s duplicity and continuing to put pressure on it. Supporting Ukraine means not only weakening Russia, but also benefiting the US. Selling weapons to Ukraine and its European allies will enrich the US defense industry. Economic sanctions against Russia will further isolate it, and bolster US economic and strategic influence.

This approach would also reassure US allies in the Pacific, who might otherwise question America’s reliability, particularly in the face of China’s rising power. By standing firm on Ukraine, the US counters Beijing’s narrative that it is an unpredictable or unreliable partner. Continued backing for Ukraine will not only secure Europe, but it will also enhance US credibility globally, particularly in Asia.

The Russian Threat is Constant
History shows that Russia’s ambitions have remained unchanged. The Russian regime’s desire for control and expansion will not dissipate if the US backs down. Trump must remember that his role as a leader is to safeguard US interests—by treating Russia as a relentless adversary, not as a partner to appease.

Ultimately, Trump should look to the Reagan administration’s approach to the Soviet Union—cold, calculated, and focused on weakening a persistent enemy. This strategic assessment, combined with sustained support for Ukraine, will not only safeguard Europe’s security but will also contribute to America’s long-term success and global standing.

In conclusion, the US must continue to support Ukraine, not just as an act of solidarity with a victim of aggression, but as a means of securing its own future against an unpredictable and dangerous adversary.