The Urgent Need for Assistance
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has made it clear that his country will continue to fight if Western military support falters. However, the Ukrainians cannot bear the burden alone. Without the necessary resources, they will face a terrifying human cost. The situation would resemble the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion, where the Ukrainian forces valiantly held their ground against a fresh and motivated Russian military.
The Potential Consequences
If Congress and Europe refuse to provide the requested funds, the conflict will escalate, and the Ukrainian forces will be forced into a long and grueling war of resistance. But they will not surrender. This war is existential, and the Ukrainians are determined to defend their country at all costs.
The Choice to be Made
Now, the question is whether the international community will prolong the fighting or seek to minimize the damage. Will the United States and its allies abandon Ukraine, allowing authoritarian and anti-American forces to thrive? Or will they come to the aid of their natural and reliable allies?
Implications for the World
The choice made by the United States will send a message to other powerful nations like China, Turkey, and Iran. Will America welcome a world where unchecked dictatorships dictate terms once again, or will it correct past mistakes and stand behind Ukraine? It is never too late to make amends.
The Call for Assistance
To shorten the conflict and support Ukraine, immediate aid is required. European Storm Shadow cruise missiles must be delivered to bolster Ukrainian forces. Drone pilots need long-range missile systems promised since September. F-16s are essential in complementing artillery and infantry units. River-crossing gear, amphibious equipment, and light tanks are needed in the liberated zones. Lastly, Ukraine requires an effective “iron dome” system to defend against aerial threats.
The Cost of Inaction
The cost of providing these weapons is far lower than the potential consequences of a defeated Ukraine. Failure to act could embolden Russia to target a NATO country, leading to a full-scale intervention by the US and Europe. It is crucial to prioritize defense budgets to prevent Russia from becoming an offensive threat once again.
Bernard-Henri Lévy, a philosopher, author, and filmmaker, emphasizes the urgency of supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom. The time to act is now.
