Both the U.S. and its allies remain unwavering in their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom and holding Russia accountable for its aggression with the exception of an extreme right-wing band of pro-Putin Republicans in Congress.
Despite initial expectations of a swift victory, Russia has failed to achieve its objectives. Ukrainian forces have mounted a fierce resistance, reclaiming over half the territory initially seized by Russia.
However, the fight ahead remains challenging, and the Biden administration is urging Congress to swiftly pass the national-security supplemental bill to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources.
The effort is being twarted by Putin Republicans such as crackpot Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, an key ally of New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr.
“The scale of Putin’s blunder is especially stark today,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. “The Kremlin’s forces failed to win the Battle of Kyiv, failed to topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government, and failed to crush the will of the Ukrainian people.
The U.S. has rallied an unprecedented global coalition of over 50 nations, known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, to support Ukraine. This group has collectively committed over $87 billion in security assistance, demonstrating unwavering international solidarity with Ukraine.
President Joe Biden announced new sanctions targeting individuals connected to the imprisonment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Russia’s financial sector, defense industry, and sanctions evaders. Additionally, export restrictions have been imposed on entities aiding Russia’s war effort, and measures are being taken to further reduce Russia’s energy revenue.
“The American people and people around the world understand that the stakes of this fight extend far beyond Ukraine,” said Biden. “Ten years ago, Putin occupied Crimea and created puppet regimes in Ukraine’s Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Two years ago, he tried to wipe Ukraine off the map. If Putin does not pay the price for his death and destruction, he will keep going. And the costs to the United States — along with our NATO allies and partners in Europe and around the world — will rise.”
Both Biden and Austin emphasized the global implications of this conflict. They warned that failing to support Ukraine will embolden autocrats like Putin and threaten global security.
“Today’s grim milestone should spur us all to decide what kind of future we want for our children and grandchildren: an open, secure, and prosperous world of rules and rights or the violent and lawless world of aggression and chaos that Putin seeks,” Austin said.
“We support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, both because it is the right thing to do and because doing so is central to America’s continued security,” Austin said. “After two years of Putin’s reckless and lawless war, we salute Ukraine’s brave defenders, and we wish Ukraine’s unbowed citizens peace, security, and freedom.”
The U.S. reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom, both for the sake of the Ukrainian people and for the continued security of the U.S. and its allies. As the war enters its third year, the resolve of the U.S. and its allies remains firm in their support for Ukraine and their condemnation of Russia’s aggression.