A Betrayal Dressed as Diplomacy
When Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Poland’s defense investments during a call with Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on April 23, 2025, it sounded like a nod to a steadfast ally. But beneath the diplomatic pleasantries lies a troubling reality: the United States is stepping back from its moral and strategic obligations in Europe, particularly in Ukraine’s fight for survival. The Trump administration’s push for a peace deal that demands Ukraine surrender Crimea and other territories to Russia isn’t just a policy misstep; it’s a betrayal of democratic values and a dangerous signal to authoritarian regimes worldwide.
For three years, Ukraine has fought not only for its own sovereignty but for the principle that borders cannot be redrawn by force. Yet, the State Department’s seven-point plan, which includes recognizing Russian control over occupied territories and barring Ukraine from NATO, asks Kyiv to kneel before Moscow’s aggression. This isn’t diplomacy; it’s capitulation dressed up as pragmatism. The administration’s impatience, threatening to abandon talks if no deal is reached soon, reveals a willingness to sacrifice Ukraine’s future for short-term political wins.
Poland, a frontline NATO ally spending 4.7% of its GDP on defense, stands as a beacon of resolve. Its commitment to arming Ukraine and hosting U.S. troops underscores what’s at stake: a Europe united against tyranny. But Rubio’s call to Sikorski, urging other nations to follow Poland’s lead, rings hollow when the U.S. itself is retreating. The administration’s pivot away from Europe, prioritizing Asia and domestic concerns, leaves allies like Poland exposed and undermines the transatlantic alliance that has ensured peace for decades.
This moment demands clarity. The U.S. cannot claim to champion freedom while pressuring Ukraine to accept terms that legitimize Russia’s land grab. To do so risks emboldening Vladimir Putin and other autocrats who watch closely for signs of Western weakness.
The Cost of Abandoning Ukraine
The State Department’s peace framework isn’t just flawed; it’s a strategic disaster. By asking Ukraine to cede territory, the U.S. undermines the international norm that aggression must not be rewarded. Historical precedent warns of the consequences: appeasing territorial ambitions, as Europe did with Hitler in 1938, only invites further aggression. Putin’s demands for sanctions relief and a freeze along current front lines echo this pattern, signaling that Russia sees negotiations as a chance to lock in gains while planning the next assault.
Ukraine’s rejection of the U.S. proposal is not stubbornness; it’s a defense of its constitutional mandate to protect its borders. Polls show 79% of U.S. Democrats agree, believing America must do more to arm and support Kyiv. This view reflects a broader truth: abandoning Ukraine risks destabilizing Europe’s eastern flank, where Poland and the Baltics already face Russian threats. If Moscow prevails, NATO’s credibility will take a hit, and the alliance’s eastern members will question whether the U.S. can be trusted to honor its commitments.
Poland’s role as a logistical hub for Ukraine aid and its push for European defense initiatives show what collective resolve looks like. Its leaders, including Sikorski, have joined U.S.-led peace talks to advocate for a balanced approach that doesn’t sacrifice Ukraine’s sovereignty. But the Trump administration’s transactional stance—tying security guarantees to trade concessions and reducing troops in Europe—sows doubt about America’s reliability. The planned withdrawal of 10,000 U.S. troops from NATO’s eastern flank only deepens this uncertainty.
Critics of sustained U.S. support argue that resources are better spent at home or against China. But this zero-sum thinking ignores the interconnected nature of global security. A Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden Beijing, signaling that the West lacks the stomach to confront aggression. The cost of inaction far outweighs the price of leadership.
Europe’s Resolve, America’s Retreat
Europe is stepping up where the U.S. is stepping back. NATO’s 2024 data shows 23 of 32 members now meet the 2% GDP defense spending target, with Poland leading at 4.1%. The EU’s ReArm Europe initiative, aiming to mobilize €800 billion for defense modernization, signals a continent preparing to stand on its own. These investments, spurred by Russia’s invasion and U.S. pressure, are reshaping transatlantic dynamics, fostering economic growth and reducing reliance on American security guarantees.
But Europe’s progress doesn’t absolve the U.S. of responsibility. The transatlantic alliance thrives on shared commitment, not burden-shifting. Liberals in the U.S., with 86% favoring weapons for Ukraine, understand that American leadership remains vital. NATO’s nuclear deterrence and advanced capabilities still depend on U.S. support, and a fragmented alliance plays into Putin’s hands. Poland’s exploration of Franco-British nuclear cooperation and EU air defense initiatives shows foresight, but these are supplements, not substitutes, for U.S. engagement.
The administration’s defenders claim Europe’s increased spending justifies a lighter U.S. footprint. Yet, this ignores the moral imperative of supporting Ukraine and the strategic need to deter Russia. A 2025 Pew survey found 47% of Republicans believe the U.S. gives too much to Ukraine, reflecting a growing isolationism that liberals reject. The choice isn’t between Europe and America; it’s between standing united or ceding ground to authoritarianism.
A Call for Moral Clarity
The path forward demands a recommitment to principle. The U.S. must reject any peace deal that rewards Russia’s aggression and instead rally allies to arm Ukraine, strengthen sanctions, and bolster NATO’s eastern flank. Poland’s example—doubling down on defense and advocating for Ukraine—shows what’s possible when resolve meets action. America must match that courage, not retreat behind empty calls for others to do more.
This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s about the world we want to live in. A world where might makes right, or one where nations stand together to defend freedom. The Biden era proved that robust support for allies strengthens global stability; the Trump administration’s pivot risks unraveling that progress. By recommitting to Ukraine and NATO, the U.S. can reclaim its role as a beacon of democracy and ensure that tyrants like Putin face consequences, not concessions.