Why the United States Should Not Give Up on Ukraine
Continued U.S. support for Ukraine and increased economic pressure on Russia offer the clearest path to achieve a lasting peace, hold Putin accountable for his illegal invasion, and deter future wars of aggression that would cost America far more — in lives, resources, and global stability.
But after years of fighting and billions of dollars in military support, Americans are divided, with many believing that we have done our part in Ukraine, and the best path forward is a negotiated peace. Even some Ukrainians have warmed to the idea of negotiating an end to the war sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, Vladimir Putin is also acutely aware of Americans’ frustration – and using it to his advantage.
That’s why, when we make the case for our plan to end the war, we must do so grounded in facts and American national security interests. Here’s how:
Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace – he’s buying time and playing Donald Trump. Donald Trump continues to suggest that Russia’s leader wants peace, but it’s clear to the world that Putin is playing for time – and has no real interest in peace. Putin believes that Ukraine’s backers do not have the patience or endurance to commit to a drawn-out conflict. Instead, Putin hopes that Trump will grow frustrated by the stalled negotiations and make peace on Moscow's terms or walk away entirely.
The best path to a lasting peace is strengthening Ukraine’s leverage to force Putin to the negotiating table. The goal isn’t to fund an endless war, it’s to put Ukraine in a position of strength – on the battlefield, diplomatically, and ultimately at the negotiating table. Trump often cites Reagan’s principle of “peace through strength,” yet refuses to apply it to Putin, failing to impose any consequences for his aggression. A hasty “peace” deal that gives in to Putin – after he started this illegal war – will not secure a lasting peace.
Putin only responds to strength. It’s clear that Putin will only end the war in Ukraine when he concludes that victory is out of reach – either due to battlefield setbacks or because Russia’s economy can no longer sustain the war effort. To end the war in Ukraine, the United States must use every tool at its disposal to change Putin’s calculus. By applying severe economic consequences on the Russian economy, including sanctions, export controls, and tariffs, the U.S. can force Putin to recalculate the costs of continuing a war that is bleeding Russia’s resources for little gain.
Putin won’t stop at Ukraine. Without U.S. support, Putin will continue to make territorial gains, bomb Ukrainian cities and kill Ukrainian civilians with impunity, and realize his goals of subjugating Ukraine, threatening Europe, and dividing NATO. Worse yet, an emboldened Putin would surely next look towards other countries in eastern Europe, including NATO allies, risking a wider war that would demand direct U.S. involvement.
Supporting Ukraine is good for our own economy, military, and security. The weapons we’ve provided to Ukraine have been built right here in America, growing local economies across the country. Nearly two-thirds of the funding for Ukraine in previous funding packages went directly to U.S. factories and local economies across the country, including plants in Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Mesquite, Texas. Supporting Ukraine is not cost-free, but for a small percentage of our defense budget, and without any U.S. boots on the ground, we have dealt Russia’s military and strategic goals an enormous blow.
Preventing Putin from succeeding in Ukraine is the best way to deter our adversaries. The world is watching Ukraine to see how the United States reacts and follows through – or not. Will we stick with our partners, or abandon them when things get tough? Vladimir Putin and his accomplices are pushing toward a new world order where stronger nations can invade their neighbors and get away with it. America’s adversaries and competitors, like China, are watching closely and are eager to benefit from Russia’s success.
Published: July 2025