Reflecting on the two decades and the staggering $2.3 trillion invested in Afghanistan, along with the loss of over 100,000 lives from both American and Afghan sides, it’s surprising how little the subject surfaces today. Apart from occasional critiques aimed at President Biden over the withdrawal, the topic barely made a splash in recent election discourse—despite the fact it’s only been three years since it ended.
This situation underscores how fast society can move on and possibly hints at what’s to come. When was the last time Ukraine came up in everyday conversation? Back in February 2022, the Russian invasion prompted vigils and public outcry. Yet here we are, more than 1,000 days and $175 billion in aid later, with the conflict slipping into the recesses of public attention. President-elect Donald Trump, who has often questioned US financial support for Ukraine, has promised a swift end to the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is aiming for a diplomatic resolution next year.
For most Americans, Ukraine wasn’t on the radar before the 2022 aggression, but it’s been front and center in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mind for decades. He famously remarked in a documentary aired in Russia that the Soviet Union’s collapse amounted to the downfall of a historic Russia, describing it as “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century.” To put that in perspective, he rates the U.S.S.R.’s end worse than both World Wars and the Vietnam conflict, claiming Russia lost 40% of its territory, production, and population.
The aim to restore Russia’s past glory might not roll off the tongue as a catchy slogan, but it precisely captures Putin’s foreign policy. He views Ukraine as a breakaway province rather than a sovereign democracy. The narrative of overcoming oppression is one that’s deeply interwoven into American identity, representing freedom—a freedom that doesn’t come cheap.
Under President Biden, the US invested resources to support Ukraine’s fight for liberty. However, signals from Trump’s incoming administration suggest this support might not persist. While other countries may continue backing Ukraine, they could struggle to maintain a unified front against Russia without US influence.
Not aiding Ukraine could result in a dangerous gamble. If Ukraine were to fall, there’s no reason to believe Putin’s ambitions would be satiated. His determination to revive Russia’s former glory has simmered for thirty years. Why hold back when opposition weakens?
“Elections have consequences” isn’t merely a phrase about national politics; it extends globally. Did voters supporting Trump foresee the implications of stepping away from Ukraine? Former Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) pointed out to me that Ukraine surrendered its nuclear arsenal in exchange for peace. Consequently, Russia’s current aggression underscores that nukes remain the ultimate deterrent, likely prompting global nuclear proliferation.
During his presidency, Trump’s response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, such as the 2018 incident with Ukrainian vessels, was less than assertive. His past reluctance and statements raise questions about whether he has firmly drawn any lines for Putin and his readiness to defend them. Unfortunately, these discussions were scant this election cycle. A more informed debate might have shed light on the financial aid to Ukraine. Kinzinger, a member of the Air National Guard and an Air Force veteran, explained that funds for weapon production are utilized domestically, allowing us to support Ukraine by supplying older weaponry while simultaneously rejuvenating our own.
Normally, dismantling obsolete weapons is a cost borne by the U.S., as Kinzinger detailed. Yet, such insights were overshadowed during a campaign drenched in misinformation. Trump’s appeal for isolationism, or his apparent disregard for Ukraine, seemed to strike a chord with numerous voters. Given our tendency to quickly move past wartime discussions, the financial cost of supporting Ukraine might soon be forgotten by many.
However, should we opt to abandon Ukraine and succumb to Russia, the resulting costs could be far more profound and unforgettable.
@LZGranderson
