Seven years after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and the United States’ reaffirmation to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity, more than 127,000 Russian troops are positioned on Ukraine’s eastern border. Russia could double that number “in relatively short order” according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Warnings of imminent invasion, including from President Joe Biden, are increasing, as diplomatic negotiations continue to stall.
Following America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the world — including China, Iran, North Korea and nonstate actors — is watching how and whether we will uphold our commitments to Ukraine. U.S. messaging promises “economic consequences” and a “swift, severe and united response” should Russia decide to invade.
Failure to follow through on these assurances, however, will not only condemn Ukraine’s national identity and its right to self-determination to the will of Moscow. It also will undercut American international leadership and invite further aggression from our adversaries and those of our allies.
