Imagine if history books someday judge us by our actions, not our words. Did we stop Russia from spreading chaos across Europe? Could we have prevented Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine? Was there a chance to bring order back to a world ruled by laws? Let’s not forget, we might have made some big mistakes.

After World War II, the U. S. became the global peacekeeper, promoting a rules-based system. Ukraine joined this group after the Soviet Union fell. In 1994, Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum, giving up its nukes for security promises. But Russia, one of the signatories, broke the deal by taking Crimea in 2014. Then, Putin launched a full-scale war in Ukraine three years ago.

We’re at a historic crossroads. Will the global peacekeeper step in again? Or will chaos take over? No one wants war, but everyone should be ready to fight back. Ukrainians are defending their lives, freedom, and values against an enemy on their land. This is an existential battle. If Russia wins, Ukraine could vanish.

The free world struggles to find fighters willing to defend the continent. Only Ukraine has done so for the last 11 years. War is costly, but defeat is pricier and more shameful. Look at America’s setback in Afghanistan—20 years and $825 billion wasted.

Helping Ukraine isn’t cheap. By late 2024, the U. S. will have spent $175 billion on Ukraine, from refugees to weapons. But frozen Russian assets could cover this. Using these funds for Ukraine's defense fits with the new U. S. president’s “peace through strength” idea. It teaches aggressors that even their resources can be turned against them.

Ukrainians want this war to end, but only a fair peace will work. To win, Ukraine needs loads of weapons before they’re needed. In 2022, Ukraine needed 300 tanks, 600 to 700 infantry vehicles, and 500 howitzers. It didn’t get enough, and the results are clear. Late and limited aid hurt Ukraine’s fight. If Ukraine had gotten all needed weapons on time, the situation would be different.

Sanctions against Russia after the invasion were groundbreaking but not effective. Russia laughs at the West’s sanctions, selling oil and grain to friends and enemies. Ukraine can’t win with half-hearted allies. A Ukrainian victory is a win for freedom everywhere.

Ukraine's Fight: Why the World Needs to Back Its Stand

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