Billions of dollars in defense assistance; advanced weapons systems like HIMARS, Patriot Missile Batteries, and Abrams tanks; military training and intelligence sharing.
The West’s support for Ukraine has certainly been impressive — and it has also been expensive.
Which is leading some in Washington and elsewhere to question the wisdom of continuing to provide Ukraine such robust assistance and to argue for a quick negotiated settlement — one that would certainly involve Ukraine ceding territory to Russia.
But far from being a handout, Western assistance to Ukraine is actually an investment in the national security of the United States and its allies. On The Power Vertical Podcast this week, host Brian Whitmore speaks to former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and author of the recently published report “Supporting Ukraine: Why it is vital to U.S. national security interests,” and Deutsche Welle columnist Konstantin Eggert. Enjoy…
SHOW NOTES
The audio clips opening the podcast are from a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 10, 2023, which can be accessed here. The translations are as follows:
Opening Clip
“It is always an honor for me to represent Ukraine, and I am proud of our beautiful and strong people. You have heard and seen how Ukraine is welcomed. It’s what we all did together.”
Clip Opening Second Half
“I’m proud of Ukrainian courage. I’m proud of Ukrainian resilience. I’m proud of Ukrainian effectiveness. I’m proud of all of you who fight and work for our country! Who supports the front and the state. Thanks to all of you!”
David Kramer’s report, “Supporting Ukraine: Why it is vital to U.S. national security interests,” can be accessed here.
An article in The New York Times, “Russia Sidesteps Western Punishments, With Help From Friends,” which was referenced in the podcast, can be accessed here.