Implementing a policy of peace through strength is crucial for both Ukraine's survival and the security of the United States of America. This is why Washington must continue to stand with Ukraine in this conflict.
This was emphasized in a column for The New York Times by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The Kremlin's leader, Putin, aimed to overthrow the Ukrainian government, install a puppet regime in Kyiv, and portray the West as weak, yet he has failed to achieve his strategic objectives:
"All of this is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian military and the strength of the Ukrainian people. It is also the result of unwavering American leadership that has united allies and partners around the world to assist Ukraine in surviving under the Kremlin's imperial onslaught. The United States must build upon this historic success, rather than lose it".
Despite significant strategic achievements, the Ukrainian army continues to face serious challenges on the battlefield, and critical infrastructure is under bombardment from the occupiers. Meanwhile, Russia is suffering enormous losses, and Putin increasingly confronts a painful dilemma: to initiate mobilization, which could destabilize the situation in Russia, or to negotiate a ceasefire with Ukraine.
"As Mr. Putin maintains his imperial ambitions, a withdrawal of our levers of influence now through reduced aid and forced premature ceasefire would simply allow Mr. Putin to rest, regroup, and ultimately re-attack. This would be a peace through capitulation, which would not be peace at all," the column states.
Such a scenario would mean that Ukraine would be "crushed under Putin's boot," Europe would be cast under the shadow of a tyrant seeking to restore the Moscow Empire, and other U.S. allies could face the risks of aggression from autocrats who would perceive Russia's victory as a "license to hunt."
At the same time, America would need to allocate more resources and take on greater risks to defend itself not only from Putin but also from other autocrats and "agents of chaos":
"Pursuing a policy of peace through strength is vital for Ukraine's survival and America's security. The United States and its allies and partners must continue to support Ukraine and strengthen their position for negotiations that will eventually lead to the end of Mr. Putin's aggressive war."
Trump's Plan to End the War
It should be noted that the previously elected President of the United States stated that he wants to meet with Kremlin leader Putin to discuss the war against Ukraine.
The American politician has repeatedly asserted that this conflict must come to an end, as both Russia and Ukraine have suffered significant losses. His nominee for Secretary of Defense during the hearings did not mention the role of the United States in this war, noting that it should be resolved.