The upcoming meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin presents an opportunity to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With up to 100,000 Ukrainians killed and hundreds of thousands injured, the situation is dire. While most Republican leaders will praise Trump, pressure from the national security establishment could damage prospects for a peaceful outcome. Since early 2022, the U.S. government has provided over $67 billion in military aid to Ukraine, with supporters of continuing the massive arming of Ukraine claiming the highest moral ground.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Jeanne Shaheen introduced a bill to give Ukraine $54.6 billion in aid over the next two years, with many billions going directly to arm the Ukrainian military. However, if the Trump-Putin summit is unsuccessful, the currently dim prospects for such legislation could brighten.
Most Democrats in Congress seem content with the continuation of a war with no end in sight. The war train continues unimpeded by cooler heads, and voters are looking at the war through partisan lenses. A March Gallup poll found that 79% of Democrats said the U.S. was not doing enough to help Ukraine, a steep jump from 48% since the end of last year.
It is time for Americans and their elected representatives to set aside partisan lenses and see what’s really at stake with the Ukraine war. Rebuilding détente between Washington and Moscow is essential for the sake of Ukrainians and Russians, as well as for the entire world.
