Dear Ukraine, You Deserve Better

In the face of unimaginable hardship and relentless aggression, Ukraine has stood tall, a beacon of courage, resilience, and defiance. The world has watched in awe as ordinary citizens transformed into heroes, defending their homeland against an unprovoked invasion. The strength of the Ukrainian people has inspired millions, but alongside admiration, there is also deep frustration, disappointment, and shame—especially for those of us in the United States. Ukraine, you deserve better than the half-measures, political games, and delayed support that have defined much of the American response to your struggle.

A History of Broken Promises

The relationship between the United States and Ukraine has been fraught with inconsistencies. Since Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the U.S. has at times presented itself as a steadfast ally, yet when critical moments have arrived, our actions have too often fallen short. In 1994, Ukraine voluntarily gave up its nuclear weapons under the Budapest Memorandum, a decision made with assurances from the U.S., the U.K., and Russia that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be protected. When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, those promises proved hollow. Instead of immediate and decisive action, the U.S. and its allies responded with weak sanctions and diplomatic protests, failing to deter further Russian aggression. The full-scale invasion in 2022 made it painfully clear: Ukraine had placed its trust in Western powers, and that trust had been repeatedly betrayed.

Inconsistent and Delayed Support

When Russia launched its brutal invasion in February 2022, the world witnessed unspeakable atrocities—bombed maternity wards, mass graves, and targeted attacks on civilians. In response, the American government offered strong words of condemnation and imposed economic sanctions, but meaningful military support was slow to arrive. Even as Ukraine’s defenders demonstrated extraordinary bravery, crucial weapons and aid were trickled out, often delayed by bureaucratic red tape and political infighting in Washington.

The back-and-forth nature of U.S. aid has been infuriating to watch. Some in Congress have treated Ukraine’s fate as a bargaining chip in their own political battles, using military assistance as a tool for domestic leverage. The result has been unnecessary suffering for Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who depend on timely support to counter Russia’s relentless aggression. Every delay has cost lives, allowed Putin’s forces to regroup, and prolonged the war.

The Shame of American Politics

It is a disgrace that American support for Ukraine has become a partisan issue. Some politicians, driven by isolationist sentiments or sheer indifference, have sought to reduce aid, arguing that Ukraine is “not our problem.” Others have promoted conspiracy theories, echoing Russian propaganda and undermining the urgency of Ukraine’s fight. This lack of unity and moral clarity within the American political system has sent mixed signals to both Ukraine and its enemies.

Meanwhile, the American public, though largely supportive of Ukraine, has also grown fatigued. With each passing month, media attention wanes, and the urgency of the crisis fades in the minds of many. But for Ukrainians, the war is not just a news cycle—it is their daily reality. They wake up to air raid sirens, navigate streets lined with rubble, and mourn loved ones lost to senseless violence. The idea that we, in our relative comfort, would turn our backs on them is shameful.

Ukraine’s Fight Is the World’s Fight

Ukraine’s struggle is not just about one country’s sovereignty—it is a battle for the principles of democracy, freedom, and human dignity. A victory for Russia would embolden other authoritarian regimes, signaling that might makes right and that international agreements mean nothing. If Ukraine falls, the consequences will ripple far beyond its borders, destabilizing Europe and encouraging future acts of aggression elsewhere in the world.

The United States, as a nation that claims to champion democracy and human rights, has a moral obligation to support Ukraine fully. This means providing not just enough aid to keep Ukraine in the fight but enough to ensure its victory. Half-measures are no longer acceptable. Ukrainians are not fighting to survive; they are fighting to win. And they need the resources to do so.

What America Owes Ukraine

Ukraine has demonstrated time and again that it is capable of winning this war if given the proper support. The U.S. and its allies must act decisively, providing Ukraine with the advanced weaponry, air defense systems, and economic assistance it needs to reclaim its territory and rebuild its nation. This is not charity; it is an investment in global stability and a stand against tyranny.

Beyond military aid, the U.S. must also lead efforts to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes. Justice must be served for the countless Ukrainian civilians who have suffered at the hands of Russian forces. The international community cannot allow these crimes to go unpunished, or history will repeat itself.

Slava Ukraini—Glory to Ukraine

To the Ukrainian people, know that there are millions of Americans who stand with you, ashamed of our government’s shortcomings but unwavering in our support for your cause. Your resilience in the face of horror is nothing short of extraordinary. You are not alone. We see you, we hear you, and we will continue to push for the justice and aid you so desperately deserve.

History will remember Ukraine’s fight as one of the greatest struggles for freedom in modern times. May the world not just watch in admiration but act with the courage and decisiveness that Ukraine has shown every single day. Slava Ukraini. 🇺🇦