Why the West must support Ukraine
“Ukraine will emerge from this war proud, free and firmly rooted in the West – unless we walk away. But without supplemental funding, we’re rapidly coming to the end of our ability to help Ukraine respond to the urgent operational demands that it has. Putin is banking on the US failing to deliver for Ukraine. We must, we must, we must prove him wrong,” Biden said. ( December, 2023)
Pastor Dima with one of his units
Russian officials have declared their intent to occupy and annex more Ukrainian territory, extending beyond the current front lines and the already illegally annexed regions. This aggressive stance raises a critical alarm for NATO and the global community. Should the United States and Europe withdraw military support, the possibility of a Russian conquest of Ukraine transforms from a distant threat to a looming reality. Such a scenario would not only mark a triumph for a battered Russian army but also position it alarmingly close to NATO’s borders, stretching from the Black Sea all the way to the Arctic Ocean. Despite substantial losses inflicted by the Ukrainian military with Western backing, where nearly 90% of the invading Russian forces were decimated according to US intelligence, Russians have not only replenished their manpower but have also accelerated their industrial capabilities, surpassing pre-war levels, setting the stage for a stronger, more experienced military force.
The implications of a Russian victory extend far beyond the battlefield.
A rejuvenated Russian military, battle-hardened and technologically advanced, poses a formidable challenge to NATO’s strategic defense. The United States, in response, would find itself in a precarious position, needing to deploy significant ground forces and stealth aircraft to Eastern Europe. This military expansion, necessary to deter the Russian threat, comes with a substantial financial burden and strategic dilemmas, particularly in balancing commitments between Europe and Asia. The decision to support Ukraine, therefore, transcends mere conflict support; it is a strategic necessity to prevent a stronger, emboldened Russia from altering the global power balance.
Contrasting the situation in Ukraine with that of Afghanistan in 2001 highlights the strategic importance of support for Ukraine.
Unlike Afghanistan, Ukraine boasts a highly industrialized economy, a modern urban landscape, and a well-educated populace. Under President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership, the nation is committing to bolstering its military capabilities, including forming joint ventures with Western firms. This approach not only reinforces Ukraine’s military independence but also positions it as a key contributor to NATO’s security and the broader Western economy. A victorious Ukraine, therefore, emerges not as a dependent entity but as a robust, self-reliant ally, instrumental in maintaining the balance of power in Europe and safeguarding democratic values against expansionist threats.
Why we must support Ukraine…
Moral Imperatives to Support Ukraine in the Face of Russian Aggression
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, ignited by Russian military aggression, has not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape but also posed profound moral questions. The support for Ukraine transcends strategic interests, rooting deeply in the moral imperatives of defending sovereignty, human rights, and international law. The necessity for Ukraine to prevail is underscored not only by the need to uphold these principles but also to prevent further atrocities and war crimes.
Upholding Sovereignty and International Law
At the heart of the moral argument for supporting Ukraine is the principle of sovereignty and the sanctity of international law. Ukraine’s right to exist as a free, independent nation is enshrined in the United Nations Charter and various international treaties. Russia’s invasion, a blatant violation of these principles, challenges the very foundation of the international order. Allowing such aggression to succeed sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the concept of national sovereignty and encouraging similar actions by other powers.
Humanitarian Crisis and War Crimes
The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. Civilian casualties, displacement of millions, and destruction of civilian infrastructure are not just collateral damage but also, as reported by numerous sources, the result of deliberate targeting by Russian forces. These actions, which many argue constitute war crimes, demand a moral response. Supporting Ukraine becomes a necessity to halt these atrocities and bring those responsible to justice, reaffirming the international community’s commitment to human rights and justice. In addition there needs to be consideration of the impact that further destruction and defeat in Ukraine would have on food supplies for the poorest in the world. A large percention of the World Food Programmes grain comes from Ukraine.
Bucha: A Glimpse into Russia’s Campaign of Terror
Bucha stands as a stark example of Russia’s systematic campaign of terror in Ukraine. This is not an isolated incident but a pattern replicated across Russian-occupied territories, where deliberate horrific atrocities are being committed as part of a broader strategy.
Revival of the “Filtration” Concept
Under the guise of “denazification,” Russian soldiers are ruthlessly implementing a “filtration” process. This involves scrutinizing civilians in occupied areas to weed out those perceived as opposed to Russia’s unjust invasion. The reality is that this often targets anyone who resists Russian dominance.
Targeting of Civilians and Community Leaders
There has been a persistent effort by Russian forces to seek out and brutalize local leaders, activists, and journalists. The U.S. government had forewarned about Russian plans to eliminate or intern certain Ukrainians, and these threats have materialized in horrifying ways, with ongoing efforts to identify and target dissenters.
Invasive Surveillance and Detention
Russians are rigorously inspecting personal devices and identifying symbols of Ukrainian patriotism, such as national tattoos, to identify sympathizers of Ukrainian resistance. This is openly acknowledged by Kremlin-associated media outlets. Furthermore, Ukrainian POWs are subjected to this invasive “filtration” process.
These methods are not new but reflect a historical pattern of Russian warfare. Similar strategies were employed in Chechnya to instill a state-sponsored regime of terror. For years, Russia has been inflicting atrocities in Ukraine, as seen in the “Izolyatsia” prison in Donetsk and the treatment of Crimean Tatars. These actions are indicative of Russia’s broader strategy of using terror as a tool of warfare.The current situation in Ukraine echoes these past atrocities.
Broad Spectrum of Atrocities
Russian forces are not just engaging in combat; they are systematically targeting civilian infrastructures such as hospitals, executing unarmed civilians, and committing widespread acts of rape. The siege tactics seen in places like Mariupol demonstrate a disturbing disregard for civilian life, including the forced deportation of civilians, including children, to Russia.
The Future of Russian Occupation
Until Ukraine reclaims its territory, Russian forces will likely continue their terror campaign, using “denazification” as a pretext for their long-standing goal of undermining Ukrainian sovereignty. Regardless of the linguistic demographics of the areas, such as the Russian-speaking populations in Mariupol and Kherson, the atrocities persist.
The Domino Effect of Aggression
A Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden further aggressive actions, not just in Europe but globally. It would signal to authoritarian regimes that territorial expansion and disregard for international norms can be achieved without significant consequences. This could lead to a more unstable and dangerous world, where the rules-based order is replaced by a might-makes-right approach. We have already seen an increasing ‘axis of evil’ as tyrants and autocrats join forces in North Korea, Russia, Iran and China. In addition there is copious evidence that Russia has been involved in or contributed to, much human suffering and/or politicial instability and meddling around the globe for many years with this only increasing with the rise of the internet, social media and Putin’s growing confidence as the West weakens. Much suffering in African nations and the Middle East is tied to Russia. Preventing this scenario is not just a strategic interest but a moral obligation to future generations.
The Moral High Ground in International Relations
Supporting Ukraine aligns with taking the moral high ground in international relations. It is about standing for principles of democracy, freedom, and human dignity against authoritarianism and oppression. Ukraine’s struggle is emblematic of a broader fight for these values. Their victory would be a triumph not just for Ukrainians but for all who believe in these ideals.
There are financial and geopolitical considerations and imperatives also -but many of those arguments have been made elsewhere. In summary, though the cost of incation or insufficient support will be far greater than the investments made today to stand up to tyranny as we have had to do in history before.
We Must Support Ukraine
Supporting Ukraine is not just about aiding a nation in distress; it’s about safeguarding the principles of sovereignty, human rights, and a stable world order. The West must stand firm in its commitment, ensuring that Ukraine emerges victorious and resilient, a beacon of freedom and democracy
The moral reasons to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia are compelling. Upholding sovereignty, preventing war crimes, averting further global instability, and defending democratic values are not just strategic interests but moral imperatives. The international community’s support for Ukraine is crucial in ensuring that these principles prevail, setting a precedent that aggression and disregard for international law will not be tolerated. Ukraine’s victory is essential not only for its own future but for the future of a world order based on respect for human rights, sovereignty, and international law. We have already let Russia get too far and do too much – a decisive victory for Ukraine is likely to be the only thing that stops our descent into a world of chaos and possibly a third world war.
Helping Ukraine liberate its people and territories is the only way to stop Russian atrocities and prevent future ones. The West must rush the military support that Ukraine needs to do so.
Stopping the active conflict will not end the suffering of Ukrainians. As long as Russian forces occupy Ukrainian lands, the terror will continue. It’s clear that a lasting solution requires more than a ceasefire; it necessitates the complete withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty.
The Risks of a Ceasefire
A ceasefire, while ostensibly a step towards peace, may only embolden Russia to fortify its oppressive measures in occupied territories. Putin has consistently expressed his intention to bring Ukraine under Russian control, using any pause in combat to further this agenda.
The West should not try to push Ukraine into a ceasefire or a peace deal for the sake of short-term peace and should instead focus on helping Ukraine win this next phase of the war.
Ukraine can win the next phase of this war if we support Ukraine in a timely and proper manner
Ukraine has won the first phase of this war and has a chance to win the second one. Russia is regrouping for a major assault in Ukraine’s southeast. The outcome of this phase is far from determined, as Russia struggles to amass the combat power necessary to achieve its military objectives in Donbas.
With proper and timely military aid, Ukraine has a chance to win the second phase by pushing back Russia’s offensive and continuing its efforts to liberate Russia-held areas. The Ukrainian government has made clear what military aid it needs from Western leaders. Those needs include tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, multi-launch rocket systems, air defense systems, and combat aircraft. Ukraine has shown what they are capable of if only they would be given the right tools.
Time is critical:
the West must deliver the aid Ukraine needs to defeat the next wave of the Russian offensive before that offensive begins.
Half measures or delays in military aid as we are seeing now, will prolong the war, increase Putin’s chances of winning, and lead to more death and destruction. There is a reason that Kremlin allies are praising those countries who are holding back on aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine and the West should seek a permanent end to this conflict, not a temporary respite.
A renewed war once Moscow has rearmed and prepared will likely be far costlier and more dangerous. Demands to reduce the financial burden of supporting Ukraine now simply store up greater risk and expense for the future.
‘There is no path to real peace other than helping Ukraine inflict an unequivocal military defeat on Russia and then helping to rebuild Ukraine into a military and society so strong and resilient that no future Russian leader sees an opportunity like the ones Putin misperceived in 2014 and 2022.’
This path is achievable if the West commits to supporting Ukraine in the prolonged effort likely needed to walk down it. If the West is instead lured by the illusion of some compromise, it may end the pain for now, but only at the cost of much greater pain later. Putin has shown that he views compromise as surrender, and surrender emboldens him to reattack. This war can only end not when Putin feels that he can save face, but rather when he knows that he cannot win.
Former Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott recently said Ukrainians were not just fighting for their own freedom but fighting for “everyone’s freedom”.
“And Ukrainians are fighting and dying so that Americans and Britons and Australians don’t have to fight and die,” he said.
“If America and its allies won’t further help the Ukrainians, who are fighting for everyone’s freedom, not just their own, the question must arise: how much stomach is there for any sustained resistance to a nuclear-armed dictator, with a messianic sense of mission, in Europe, or indeed in Asia, convinced that the decadent West is in terminal decline?”
Or as Churchill put it in a similar turning point of history – this is “the first foretaste of a bitter cup that will be proffered to us year by year unless, by a supreme recovery of our moral health and martial vigour we take our stand for freedom as in the olden time”.
To support the cause and make a difference, write to your leaders asking them to support Ukraine, and consider donating to trusted charities working on the ground. Your contributions can help bring relief and hope to those affected by this conflict. Visit www.passingthrough.net/donating for more information.
Sources: https://www.understandingwar.org/https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ https://www.smh.com.au/world
