Ukraine has launched a large-scale incursion on the Kursk region of western Russia. The United States has been an ally to Ukraine ever since it declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Ukrainian forces have made it more than 7 ½ miles in and have claimed more than 28 communities, with video also circulating of Russian soldiers being taken prisoner.
According to the US Department of State’s website, “U.S. Government assistance to Ukraine aims to support the development of a secure, democratic, prosperous, and free Ukraine, fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic community.” These statements don’t sit well with concerns about international standing showing the potential of war.
The US has given a majority of assistance to the efforts of Ukraine, which automatically puts the US in a place of reaction from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). NATO is built on the foundation of the collective defense of its respective members.
In a release made by the US Department of Defense on April 24, 2024, “This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package has an estimated value of $1 billion and includes capabilities to support Ukraine’s most urgent requirements, including air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.”
ABAC political science professor Dr.
Catherine Funk said, “Russia let these Ukrainians get into their territory. That puts Ukraine in a position of strength for the purposes of negotiation. This could help end the war because Ukraine can go, look, we just want to go back to our borders before you invaded, and Russia will say that’s a better deal than us losing this territory that Ukraine has taken permanently.”
Still, the question of such high donations and the return on that investment is still up in the air. Dr. Funk further said, “We don’t want Russia getting Ukraine and pushing further into Europe. That means we’re going to have NATO countries saying US [should] step up, and then we’re going to be fighting in even more places. We’re doing a penny now instead of a pound later, and that’s where we are. It may seem like we’re putting in pounds, but how many tons would we be putting in otherwise?” More tyrannie countries, like China or North Korea, that are allied with Russia could take notice of the United States support and make strategic plans with each other, ultimately influencing the next World War.
Studying comparative authoritarianism in China and Russia, Maria Repnikova, an associate professor in global communication at Georgia State, said, “Russia is much more provocative, while China is taking a more careful, long-term approach when it comes to global competition with the West.”
Is this incursion by Ukraine in Russia at that tipping point for China and other similar countries? From a statement like Repnikova’s, any undisclosed strategic plan from other countries could happen at any time.
China is also in a position where they have not assisted Russia even though they are unofficial allies. This unofficial alliance could be the factor we are missing from the potential energy China is showing through no reaction.
An article written by Clara Fong and Lindsay Maitland on the Council on Foreign Relations website said, “Chinese officials have also refused to condemn Putin for the war and have blamed the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for provoking Russia.”
The US Department of State’s website further said, “The United States does not, and will not ever, recognize Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea, and continues to work with our partners to seek a diplomatic solution to the Russia-instigated conflict in eastern Ukraine.” This statement should line up with the US’s potential actions, and it should set a limit on the assistance the US can provide. Ukraine has more allied powers they could seek assistance from, such as the United Kingdom and Canada. In return, our government should still be ready to react if Ukraine needs it but alongside other allies as well.
Why does Russia want Ukrainian territory in the first place?
Ukraine’s methods for seeking assistance in its war efforts vary but have worked with more than 26 countries. The support given to Ukraine by its allies will show the broader implications for global security and cooperation.
Ukraine’s evolving incursion in Russia highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement. Multiple countries should show support to balance any sort of international reaction from countries like China. As the war between Ukraine and Russia continues, the United States should be mindful of how they show their support and how other countries will respond.