Perspective: Implementing a strategy urgently is crucial to save Ukraine from impending doom.
After the House of Representatives has finally sorted out its issues, it's crucial to make up for lost time. Delays in taking action have allowed the Ukrainians to lose key territory which they must now work to regain.
We need to guarantee that the funds provided by Washington for Ukraine end up in the right hands, at the right place, and at the right moment. Additionally, support from key Republican groups must continue if this aid program isn't to be the last one.
Most importantly, President Biden should clearly explain the reasons why backing Ukraine is beneficial for the US. Many Americans have hesitated due to concerns over a lengthy war, and the administration's ambiguous rhetoric about aiding Ukraine "for as long as it takes" hasn't helped. Instead, Biden should explain specific objectives: Ukraine's victory, and Russia's defeat.
The president should stick to this stance firmly. He needs to repeatedly emphasize why Ukraine's success and Russia's failure are in our national interest and how we plan to achieve these results. With our extensive political and military expertise, we have the knowledge to design an effective strategy.
As politicians haggled over Biden's foreign aid bill, Ukraine faced setbacks. The Russians are encroaching near Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, while making minor advances in Avdiivka close to the frontline in the east.
Ukraine's situation is dire, but if it and its allies act swiftly, there's still a chance for Ukraine to emerge victorious – and that means triumphing over Russia on the battlefield.
In practice, this means equipping Ukraine with the capacity to defend itself and counterattack. The United States, alongside its European partners, should speed up deliveries of F-16s and other aircraft while intensifying training for Ukrainian pilots. These aircraft can protect cities like Kharkiv and Odesa from Russian air assaults and escalate attacks on missile launch sites in Russia and the Black Sea.
Crimea is a vital hub for Russian aviation and naval power. Before a full-scale offensive to retake the peninsula, Kyiv must make it unviable for Russia to continue launching attacks on Ukraine. MQ-9A Reaper drones present a versatile option capable of both offensive and defensive operations, while long-range ATACMS, Storm Shadow, SCALP, or Taurus ballistic and cruise missiles will place Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories under threat. Ukraine can then target and destroy Russian command posts, logistics, and artillery. Simultaneously, additional Patriot missile batteries will provide a robust shield over Ukraine's capital and other cities.
While these weapons systems are critical, their impact will be limited without a reciprocal strategy. The US, Ukraine, and European allies must understand the timeline for dispatching this equipment and how it fits into Ukraine's roadmap to victory.
Various weapons systems may reach the battlefield at different times: Some are already positioned in Germany and Poland. If approved, drones could be dispatched relatively quickly – within days or weeks. Patriot missiles might follow at a slower pace, over several weeks. F-16s are significant but may not engage until mid-summer at the earliest. Upon arrival, these tools will allow Ukraine to threaten Crimea within a few months, while also striking Russian energy infrastructure.
However, little may change on the front lines. 2024 could be a year of industrial competition. The recent aid package will sustain Ukraine through the next several months, while it restocks, strengthens its forces, and refines its logistics – crucial preparations for the ongoing battle.
Finally, it's imperative to remember this aid bill cannot be the last. Ukraine will require more assistance from its Western allies to defeat Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion.
The strategy proposed here it not only military – it's political as well. Russian propaganda has infiltrated modern-day Republican circles. While some will never change their stance, Ukraine's dire circumstances necessitate efforts to debunk falsehoods and engage new audiences.
That's why our group, the Renew Democracy Initiative, organized visits of British Conservatives to meet with their American counterparts and rally support for Ukraine. We might disagree on certain political issues, but these Tory politicians are well-positioned to advocate for Kyiv's cause from the right. We advise pro-Ukraine advocates of all political persuasions to collaborate and forge alliances that could unlock previously untapped resources of support. It will pay off: Thirteen of the twenty-two Republican representatives with whom the British mission engaged ultimately voted for the national security supplemental.
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Lies about the persecution of Christians in Ukraine by the Russians are especially harmful. These accusations are untrue, but given the importance of religion for many Americans, it's crucial to not let this ground fall into Russian hands. Together with the Free Russia Forum, a Russian pro-democracy organization founded by one of the authors, we revealed a report showing that in truth, it's Russia who is targeting non-Orthodox Christians while using the Orthodox Church as a tool for espionage and disrespectful actions. We need to clarify the religious side of this conflict and highlight Ukraine's efforts to protect its religious community.
The US's strategy towards Ukraine is currently ineffective. On the battlefield, we need to identify which weapons from our arsenal can help Ukraine triumph while forcing Russia to suffer losses. In terms of politics, we need a convincing narrative that ensures support from the public for steady financial assistance to Ukraine.
The approval of the national security supplement allows the US to aid Kyiv. However, we require a strategy to utilize these resources effectively.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
