A Moral and Strategic Imperative
The war in Ukraine is not just a distant conflict; it’s a defining test of America’s commitment to democracy. For over three years, Ukrainians have fought heroically against Russia’s unprovoked invasion, sacrificing lives and livelihoods to defend their sovereignty. Yet, voices in Washington, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggest scaling back U.S. involvement, framing the war as a problem for others to solve. This stance is not only shortsighted but dangerous, undermining the principles that have guided America’s global leadership for decades.
Rubio’s recent claim that the conflict lacks a military solution and that President Trump is uniquely positioned to broker peace sidesteps a critical truth: Ukraine’s fight is our fight. Russia’s aggression, led by Vladimir Putin, seeks to dismantle democratic norms and redraw borders by force. If America wavers now, we signal to autocrats worldwide that might trumps right. The stakes are clear: supporting Ukraine is about safeguarding freedom, not just in Eastern Europe, but globally.
Consider the human toll. Over 400,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died, and 10 million people have been displaced, their homes reduced to rubble. Ukraine’s economy has contracted by nearly a quarter since 2022, yet its people remain resolute. Their resilience demands our unwavering support, not a rush to negotiations that could reward Putin’s brutality. To abandon Ukraine now would betray not only them but the values we claim to uphold.
The Flawed Push for a Quick Deal
Rubio’s assertion that Trump’s diplomatic efforts have brought Ukraine and Russia closer to a deal is misleading. While a minerals agreement and a temporary ceasefire offer glimmers of progress, the gap between Ukraine’s demand for full territorial restoration and Russia’s insistence on keeping annexed regions remains vast. Public opinion, especially among Democrats, is unequivocal: 70% of Americans want Ukraine included in any peace talks, and only 3% support a U.S.-Russia-only deal. Excluding Ukraine risks a settlement that sacrifices its sovereignty for political expediency.
Historical precedent warns against appeasing aggressors. In 2014, under President Obama, the U.S. hesitated to arm Ukraine after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a decision Rubio himself critiques. Yet, his current push for a rapid resolution echoes that same caution, prioritizing short-term stability over long-term justice. Democrats in Congress, by contrast, have introduced legislation to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, recognizing that strength, not concessions, deters Putin.
The argument that America should shift focus to other priorities, like China, ignores the interconnected nature of global security. Allowing Russia to gain ground in Ukraine emboldens authoritarian regimes elsewhere, from Beijing to Tehran. A 2025 poll shows 66% of Democrats see U.S. support for Ukraine as vital to national interests, a view grounded in the belief that defending democracy abroad strengthens it at home.
Debunking the Isolationist Retreat
Some policymakers argue that Ukraine’s war is not America’s to fight, citing the billions spent on aid and the risk of escalation. Rubio’s remarks reflect this sentiment, suggesting that the U.S. might soon pivot away if talks stall. This perspective, rooted in a narrow view of national interest, misjudges the consequences of retreat. If Putin prevails, he won’t stop at Ukraine. NATO allies like Poland and the Baltics could face threats, drawing America into a far costlier conflict.
The claim that Trump’s first term kept Putin in check is a selective reading of history. While Trump provided weapons to Ukraine, his administration’s erratic foreign policy, including withholding aid for political leverage, sowed uncertainty. By contrast, sustained U.S. support under Biden helped Ukraine repel Russia’s initial assault on Kyiv. Scaling back now would undo that progress, leaving Ukraine vulnerable and America’s credibility in tatters.
Critics of aid also overlook its tangible benefits. The recent minerals deal, which Rubio touts, strengthens Ukraine’s economy and secures U.S. investments. Supporting Ukraine isn’t charity; it’s a strategic move that counters Russia, stabilizes Europe, and protects American interests. Democrats understand this, with 82% favoring aid to help Ukraine reclaim lost territory, a commitment that reflects both pragmatism and principle.
A Path Forward Rooted in Justice
America must reject the temptation to prioritize speed over substance in Ukraine. Peace talks are necessary, but they must center Ukraine’s right to self-determination. Any deal that cedes territory to Russia or blocks Ukraine’s path to NATO would reward aggression, a precedent that could destabilize the world order. Instead, the U.S. should increase military and economic aid, ensuring Ukraine can negotiate from strength.
Congressional Democrats are leading the way, pushing for sanctions on Russia and support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. These steps align with the will of most Americans, who want a resolution that upholds justice. The alternative—abandoning Ukraine to focus on other threats—creates a domino effect, weakening alliances and emboldening adversaries like China and Iran.
The fight for Ukraine is a fight for the future. It’s about proving that democracy can withstand tyranny, that nations can stand together against oppression. America has the power to shape this outcome, but only if we act with courage and conviction. Let’s stand with Ukraine, not just for their sake, but for ours.