Ukraine’s desperate hour
Aid still needed as Ukraine marks the anniversary of Russia’s invasion
What will it take for Republican members of Congress to recognize the threat to our national security and to global stability posed by Russian aggression in Ukraine? The largest European conflict since World War II risks tipping in President Vladimir Putin’s favor without continued support for the brave defenders holding the line against the Russians.
Ukrainians need military and humanitarian aid and they needed it months ago. GOP leaders holding up approval of that desperately needed support must understand that our failure to act in this critical moment will have monumental consequences, both for the people of Ukraine and for the world.
Ukrainian forces — nearly surrounded, outmanned and outgunned — withdrew from the town of Avdiivka over the weekend, a significant setback as they enter their third year resisting Russian invaders. The battle lines have moved little in recent months, but the fall of Avdiivka represents a worrisome development that could portend further losses.
What happens when Russian forces seize territory is well documented. A United Nations commission concluded in October 2022 that Putin’s troops were responsible for the indiscriminate murder, rape and torture of civilians. Putin himself faces an indictment by the International Criminal Court for orchestrating the removal to Russia of thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied territory.
Anticipating that grave threat to the Ukrainian people, the United States and our European and international allies provided considerable aid in support of the war effort,
even before Russian troops crossed the border on Feb. 24, 2022. To date, the U.S. has sent $75.4 billion in military, humanitarian and financial assistance to Ukraine.
What was once robust support provided by a Congress united in its opposition to Russian aggression has devolved into a pitched partisan battle over additional funding for Ukraine. Republicans have refused to advance an aid package that includes $60 billion for that embattled country without capitulation to their demands by President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers.
Republicans used defense of the Ukraine people as a bargaining chip for concessions on domestic policy only to recklessly cast that bill aside in a partisan tantrum. On this issue, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should recognize that defeating a common enemy — Russia — serves the national interest.
A failure to stand with Ukraine and provide its forces the weapons needed to recapture its territory and protect its national sovereignty would invite further calamity. Putin pursued this war only after his 2014 seizure of Crimea and 2008 invasion of Georgia drew a tepid international response. He will not stop if Ukraine folds now, risking a wider conflict with NATO countries that would necessitate American military action.
Abandoning Ukraine would also deal a devastating blow to our international reputation as a force for democracy and freedom abroad. China, Iran and other hostile nations will know that our words of resolute support for our allies are not matched by our deeds — that when the going gets tough, American resolve melts.
Virginia is fortunate that most of its congressional delegation have been vocal advocates for additional aid, and Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine voted in support of the legislation. Now, Republicans who represent the commonwealth must push their party’s leadership to act. That includes 2nd District Rep. Jen Kiggans, who helped elect House Speaker Mike Johnson and who understands well the need to stand up for Ukraine as this moment demands.
Help cannot come soon enough for the courageous Ukrainians fighting on the front lines despite the superior manpower and weaponry arrayed against them. It cannot come soon enough for those who have spent the better part of three years huddled in basements and bomb shelters as Putin’s forces rain down missiles on civilian targets.
The recent death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who Putin poisoned in 2020 and jailed in 2021, underscores the brutality of the Russian regime. They will not stop by their own volition, but must be stopped, now, in Ukraine. There is no time to waste.