-
FanDuel Promo Code: New NFL Bettors Get $200 Bonus, Sunday Ticket Deal - 33 mins ago
-
Mother of Georgia Suspect Called School Minutes Before Shooting, Family Says - 37 mins ago
-
Active Shooter on I-75 in Kentucky, Numerous Victims Reported - about 1 hour ago
-
At the U.S. Open, Hourly-Wage Ushers Corral the Well-Heeled Crowds - about 1 hour ago
-
Bet365 Bonus Code WEEK365: Choose $200 Bonus or $1K Safety Net for NFL - 2 hours ago
-
Mr. Greedy, an African Penguin With 230 Descendants, Dies at 33 - 2 hours ago
-
5 Rookies Who Will Stand Out in Week 1 of NFL Season - 2 hours ago
-
Harris Targets Trump on Abortion in Latest Campaign Ad - 3 hours ago
-
Denny Hamlin NASCAR Nightmare As Driver Hits Powertrain Issues During Qualifying - 3 hours ago
-
Video of Kamala Harris Embracing Crying Woman Takes Off Online - 4 hours ago
Aid for Ukraine Benefits the U.S. in More Ways Than One
As tensions escalate and democracy faces a defining test in Ukraine, it is imperative for the United States to stand firm in its commitment to support this besieged nation. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s increasingly hostile aggression, coupled with Ukraine’s relentless pursuit of freedom and democracy, demands an unwavering response from the international community, and particularly from the U.S.
Having held roles as a former U.S. ambassador in eastern Europe and a NATO supreme allied commander, we have witnessed firsthand the power of international unity and support in the face of threats from abroad. It is strongly in America’s interest that the U.S. House of Representatives follows the Senate’s lead in illustrating strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s savage aggression and tyranny.
Ukraine stands at a crossroads, fighting not only for its sovereignty but also for the fundamental principles of democracy and human rights. The Ukrainian people have bravely stood up against corruption and oppression, demanding a future where freedom and justice prevail. It is our moral obligation to stand with them in their quest for a better tomorrow.
![War in Ukraine](https://i0.wp.com/d.newsweek.com/en/full/2368499/war-ukraine.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images
Sending aid to Ukraine is not merely an act of charity; it is an economic investment here at home. Funds that lawmakers approve to arm Ukraine are being used stateside to build new weapons or to replace weapons sent to Kyiv from U.S. stockpiles. In fact, of the $68 billion in military and related assistance Congress has approved since Russia invaded Ukraine, almost 90 percent is going to Americans. The American Enterprise Institute has identified 117 production lines in at least 31 states and 71 cities where American workers are producing major weapons systems for Ukraine.
Furthermore, providing aid to Ukraine sends a powerful message to the world that the United States stands firmly behind its allies and will not tolerate threats to democracy and freedom. In a time when authoritarianism is on the rise, it is essential for the United States to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to defending human rights, democratic values and the rules-based international order that has benefited America since the end of World War II.
Prior to the current congressional recess, some members of Congress argued that sending aid to Ukraine is costly and unnecessary, but the cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of providing assistance. Failure to support Ukraine in its time of need would not only betray our values but also embolden Russia and other rogue aggressors to further undermine global stability and security in the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and other theaters. Surely, if we adopt the misguided notion that retreating from our obligations is in America’s short-term interest, we will find the long-term consequences to be devastating, in terms of U.S. tax dollars resources and personnel.
Moreover, supporting Ukraine is not just about geopolitics; it is about standing up for what is right and just. It is about supporting the aspirations of millions of people who yearn for a future free from oppression and fear. As Americans, we must never forget the sacrifices made by those who have fought and died for the cause of freedom. Putin’s acts of aggression and fundamental disregard of established international law must not be met with impunity.
Now is the time for the United States to lead by example and demonstrate its unwavering commitment to defending democracy and human rights around the world. When they return to session in April, the U.S. House of Representatives must act decisively and swiftly to provide aid to Ukraine. Doing so is not only in the best interest of the Ukrainian people but also in the best interest of American workers, our military preparedness and global security.
Nancy Brinker served as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary and U.S. chief of protocol. Philip Breedlove is a retired four-star general in the U.S. Air Force who served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operation and is a current leadership council member of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation.
The views expressed in this article are the writers’ own.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Source link