Putin’s Russia is the old Soviet ‘evil empire’ and it’s still evil
While four weeks ago, most of the world recognized the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion into Ukraine, it is really part of a larger, more brutal chapter of a long-standing conflict between good and evil. Between the United States and Russia. Between those who believe in hope and opportunity, and those who believe in destruction and tyranny.
Those in Western Pennsylvania (one of us grew up here), especially those with family ties to Eastern Europe, must know that Putin’s war in Ukraine is more than a small skirmish on the other side of the world. It’s a fight between those fighting for their homes, their families, and for survival, against those fighting for more land, power, and previous perceptions of glory.
Back in 2014, Russian agents slipped into Crimea and annexed the peninsula within days. This was followed by Russian-backed independence movements in eastern Ukraine that was an excuse for Russian forces to enter Ukraine and re-write the centuries-old established definition of sovereignty. Russian President Vladimir Putin first tested the resolve of western governments by invading parts of Georgia in 2008 and became emboldened.
However, this conflict dates back even further. Much further. Russian animosity toward the West dates to the turn of the 20th century. Successive Russian/Soviet governments aimed to be in direct conflict with the United States, often not through conventional means, but through proxies.
Almost 40 years ago, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed, “I urge you to beware the temptation … to ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire, to simply call the arms race a giant misunderstanding and thereby remove yourself from the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil.” The evil empire of the Cold War has not disappeared into history, but rather been reimagined into a nightmare of Vladimir Putin’s creation.
His armies conscript Russian citizens and throw them into a more lethal version of Verdunesque trench warfare. His artillery indiscriminately targets civilians and residential housing. His missiles slam into hospitals, water pumping stations, and electricity facilities. His mercenary army, the Wagner group, recruits from prisons with the promise of a stinted freedom, only to be barbarically unleased on Ukrainian civilians.
Today, the war in Ukraine represents the latest Russian effort to strike at the United States and reclaim their former glory. Just as America did in the Cold War, we must continue to resist these destructive efforts at every opportunity. In recent speeches, President Putin made it clear that his real target is, and always has been, the United States. Russian officials also decry NATO, but the multi-nation alliance has shown a strength and resolve of its own that has been aided by decades of training, planning, and friendships with each other and the American military.
When President Biden declared, “the United States’ support for Ukraine will not waiver,” he was correct. But what is taking so long? Biden has been far too slow in approving weapons and systems for Ukraine to defend itself. The decision to supply modern tanks was delayed by six vital months while Ukraine was trying to sustain momentum in the fall of 2022. The HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) and M777 howitzers have been gamechangers on the battlefield, but ammunition has been in short supply since the day they arrived.
More recently, Ukraine has been pleading for ATACMS (Army Tactical Missiles) that have a longer range and would enable Ukraine to target Russian supply points and staging areas that are outside the range of HIMARS and artillery. The Russians know these systems and have figured out how to avoid them. The ATACMS would dramatically change the Russian plans.
Some Americans have harbored doubts, stating Ukraine is not perfect. And they are correct.
Ukraine is a new democracy, and still going through growing pains. We cannot turn a blind eye to corruption, and must help Ukraine rebuild stronger institutions capable of independently tackling problems. But these problems are all fixable, so long as they remain free of Russian occupation and hostility.
Every day this war continues, other adversaries are further emboldened. This war is also about deterring future Chinese aggression throughout the Pacific. America must continue to demonstrate strength and steadfastness.
The United States is not fighting this war. Ukraine is, and Ukrainians are dying in this fight every day. It is time the United States step up to its commitment by unleashing the necessary, modernized arsenals of democracy. The fastest and best way to end this war is by giving Ukraine what it needs to win. Since Ukraine’s security and future will directly affect America’s security and future, it is imperative that we continue to support Ukraine and ensure a Ukrainian victory.
Darrell Owens, a western Pennsylvanian and former national security adviser to Sen. Pat Toomey, is director of government relations for America’s Warrior Partnership. Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of US Army Europe (USAREUR), is senior adviser to Human Rights First.