A Ukrainian soldier stands in front of railroad station destroyed by Russian shelling on March 15, 2024, in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine. (Photo by Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Reflecting on his recent trip to Ukraine, Hudson President and CEO John P. Walters argues that providing Kyiv with the means to pursue victory is a crucial step to defend the free world from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Read the full article, or see his key points below.

Key Insights

1. Ukraine is a powerful ally in America’s struggle to preserve worldwide freedom.

Without a single United States or North Atlantic Treaty Organization soldier firing a shot, Russia has suffered losses of manpower and equipment it has not seen since World War II. By one estimate we heard in Kyiv, Russian casualties may have eclipsed 500,000 men. Many Russian units have been shattered, including special elite troops, and in two years, Ukraine has killed more high-ranking Russian general officers than were killed over the decadelong wars in Afghanistan and Syria. Ukraine also plans to counter Russia’s reliance on attritional warfare. Ukraine is pioneering disruptive battlefield technologies and fielding them at scale. This year, Kyiv will produce a million killer drones.

2. Defending Ukraine helps to defend Taiwan.

Critics of providing Ukraine with these advanced weapons argue that doing so leaves Taiwan vulnerable to Beijing’s predations. They are clearly correct that China is intent on subjugating Taiwan. In his latest annual report to the National People’s Congress, Chinese Premier Li Qiang intentionally omitted the word “peaceful” when advocating for reunification of the two polities. Yet, critics of aiding Ukraine fail to note that the enemies of America and its allies have united. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have created an alliance. They share munitions, supplies, technology, and financial tools, while coordinating military and diplomatic strategies worldwide.

3. America’s adversaries seek to divide the West.

The Beijing–Moscow–Iran–North Korea axis wants to weaken Europe to divide democracies and take them on as disunited and weak. Despite the many frustrations inherent in a partnership of free peoples, the transatlantic alliance makes the United States stronger, and our adversaries know it. Ukraine is the strategic hinge of Europe, where the battle for the future of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is unfolding. Declining to fight that battle out of fear of provoking a Russian response runs counter to US security and the alliances that give America the power to protect itself with its allies.

Quotes may be edited for clarity and length. 

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