A Ukrainian special forces soldier observes a destroyed bridge north of Kharkiv, May 16, 2022. (Dimitar Dilkoff/ AFP)

The goal of U.S. aid should be to help Ukraine win—and not simply survive—the war. With its over-emphasis on humanitarian and diplomatic aid and the wrong mix of weapons, the Biden administration’s approach to supporting Ukraine will only extend the conflict with Russia, argue Hudson Senior Fellows Rebeccah Heinrichs and Bryan Clark in The Dispatch. See below for key excerpts.

Key Insights

1. Unify NATO Around the Goal of Ukrainian Victory

Geopolitically, the U.S. should align with NATO allies who want to see Ukraine push out Russia. That side is led by the U.K., Poland, and those along the Black Sea—NATO’s modern front. France and Germany have so far been unwilling to be as forward-leaning, making U.S. leadership necessary. The impending additions of Finland and Sweden to the alliance adds momentum to consolidate a fiercer and visibly more courageous Western allied effort.

The United States must put unyielding pressure on European allies to do what they can do. That includes providing the food, medicine, and other services the Ukrainians need during the war, and will require to rebuild their country once this war is over. Poland has shouldered the brunt of the Ukrainian refugees, and rich Western allies, like Germany, should share the financial burden.

2. Provide Weapons that Enable a Counteroffensive

Militarily, Ukraine’s urgent need is for longer-range strike systems. Guided multiple launch rocket systems could help Ukrainian forces attack Russian supply depots and logistics lines. And MQ-9 Reaper drones could engage Russian armor across the open fields of Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine also needs more effective ground weapons for the Donbas, namely self-propelled howitzers like the M109 that can navigate the devastated road network of eastern Ukraine, where the US M777 towed howitzers already on their way are likely to prove useless. To help keep Russian troops from gaining more ground, the United States should provide Ukraine anti-vehicle mines, such as the Gator, that remain allowed under international mine protocols and conventions.

3. End Russia's Blockade of Odesa

U.S. and allied efforts to help Ukraine win on the ground will come to naught if Ukraine cannot break Russia’s naval blockade off Odesa. The United States should send some of its substantial inventory of Harpoons or work with Norway’s Kongsberg to provide Ukraine with some of its newer Naval Strike Missiles.

Quotes may be edited for clarity and length. 

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