Biden Seeks $21 Billion for Ukraine; Polish President Says Helping Ukraine Now won’t Cost American Lives

Despite growing opposition to America’s continued support for Ukraine as it battles russian invaders in this predestined existential war, President Biden on Thursday asked Congress to provide more than $13 billion in emergency defense aid to Ukraine and an additional $8 billion for humanitarian support through the end of the year, which constitutes another massive infusion of cash as the bloody russian invasion wears on for 18 months and Ukraine pushes a counteroffensive against the kremlin’s deeply entrenched forces.

A political abyss on the issue has steadily grown, with the Republican-led House facing enormous pressure to demonstrate support for the party’s leader, Donald Trump and other right wingers, who have opposed helping Ukraine in the war. And American support for the effort has been slowly softening.

White House budget director Shalanda Young, in a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, urged swift action to follow through on the U.S. “commitment to the Ukrainian peoples’ defense of their homeland and to democracy around the world” as well as other needs. Additionally, the White House is seeking to put credence on the President’s commitment to will help Ukraine “as long as it takes” to oust Russia from its borders. However, privately, according to the Associated Press, administration officials have warned Ukrainian officials that there is a limit to the patience of a narrowly divided Congress — and American public — for the costs of a war with no clear end.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), said in a statement there was strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate.

“The latest request from the Biden administration shows America’s continued commitment to helping Americans here at home and our friends abroad,” he said. “We hope to join with our Republican colleagues this fall to avert an unnecessary government shutdown and fund this critical emergency supplemental request.”

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who has championed of support for Ukraine, was more subdued.

“I look forward to carefully reviewing the Administration’s request to make sure it is necessary and appropriate,” McConnell said in a statement, “to keep America safe, secure our borders, support our allies, and help communities rebuild after disasters.”

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement urging Congress to swiftly pass critical funding for disaster relief programs while separately considering military aid for Ukraine.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby juxtaposed the dollar cost of supporting Ukraine against russian subjugation of the entire country, stating “For people who might be concerned the costs are getting too high, we’d ask them what the costs — not just in treasure but in blood, perhaps even American blood — could be if Putin subjugates Ukraine.”

The U.S. has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine in response to russia’s invasion, totaling about $113 billion, with some of that money going toward replenishment of U.S. military equipment that was sent to the frontlines. Congress approved the latest round of aid in December, totaling roughly $45 billion for Ukraine and NATO allies. While the package was designed to last through the end of the fiscal year in September, much depends upon events on the ground.

“We remain confident that we’ll be able to continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” said Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

On the other side of the world, among the former captive nations of russian subjugation, support for Ukraine is very strong. The countries of Eastern Europe and the Baltic States are adamant about the need for Ukraine’s victory and are providing it with a variety of arms and equipment. Furthermore, due to the mobilization of belarusian troops on its western border, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland have responded by stepping up their security forces deployment.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Polish President Andrzej Duda said American elected officials that are opposed to helping Ukraine defeat russian aggression fail to understand the genuine threat of renewed russian imperialism.

“It is very simple,” Duda told The Post’s Marc A. Thiessen. “Right now, Russian imperialism can be stopped cheaply, because American soldiers are not dying.” But if we don’t put a halt to Russian aggression now, “there will be a very high price to be paid.”

Duda reminded that Poles have experienced 600 years of Russian efforts to subjugate them and their neighbors. In the 18th century, Russia helped partition Poland, wiping it off the map for 123 years. In 1920, the Bolsheviks attacked “in the hope of spreading communism across the whole of Europe” but were stopped by Polish forces in the Battle of Warsaw. In 1939, the Soviets attacked again alongside Nazi Germany and “Stalin seized half of Poland, bringing it under Soviet occupation” — until Hitler turned on his Soviet allies. Then in 1945, the Red Army retook Poland and “pushed the German occupiers out only to replace them with their own occupation,” resulting in “an additional 44 years behind the Iron Curtain.”

Thiessen continued that now, Duda says, we are witnessing a “resurgence of Russian imperialism” — starting with Moscow’s 2008 invasion of Georgia, its 2014 attack on Ukraine, its full-scale invasion last year — and its “repeated threats directed at the Baltic states, Poland and all of Central Europe.” Vladimir Putin and his cronies “are dreaming of power of the tsars and the restoration of czarist territory.” We must stop russia’s advance in Ukraine now “so that it does not come to pass, as it did in World War I and World War II, that American soldiers have to shed their blood and to lose their lives in Europe to restore peace and liberty to the world.”

Despite the growing winds of opposition, Theissen wrote that Duda’s bold support for Ukraine is politically courageous. However, he didn’t state it, this bold support is echoed in the capitals of the Baltic States. Theissen stated “unfortunately, in the United States, most of the leading Republican presidential candidates are not showing similar courage. Is Duda worried what will happen to American support for Ukraine if Republicans win in 2024?

“No,” Duda told him, “I have no doubt that the United States understands perfectly the threat posed by russian imperialism.”

“And it is my profound belief that the United States also understands how important it is to make sure that democracy does not disappear from Central Europe. Everyone knows that where russia is, there is no democracy.”

Indeed, and the leaders and peoples of Eastern Europe know well that if Ukraine fails, if Ukraine is defeated by russia, then they too will fail and russia will occupy them again and restore the iron curtain. Is that the world that the Republicans and right wingers are supporting?

Christianity of Kyivan-Rus enrages muscovy/russia

Today, Ukrainians the world over are observing the 1035th anniversary of the Christianity of Kyivan-Rus. It is simultaneously an historic and joyous commemoration for all Ukrainians everywhere as they attest their – and only theirs – ancient spiritual and national legacy.

However, russians have striven to steal both from our nation. They have sought to demonstrate not only the similarity of Ukrainians and russians but also threatened to forcibly unite the nations and countries thus erasing Ukrainians from humanity’s memory.

Indeed, in the July 29, 2013, edition of The Torn Curtain 1991 newsletter, I forecast that Putin’s arm twisting of Ukrainian leaders at that commemorative event in Kyiv would ultimately lead to Russia’s violent attempt to rebuild the torn iron curtain one way or another.

Taking advantage of the observance of the 1025th anniversary of the Christianity of Kyivan-Rus, when the territory of today's muscovy was a frog-infested swamp, putin visited Ukraine and drove his point about re-unification with russia.

Amid a host of religious, predominantly Orthodox spiritual leaders, putin on Saturday, July 27, 2013, urged Ukraine to join forces with russia, its colonial overlord, saying russians and Ukrainians were “one people” – his ongoing moronic expression.

Undoubtedly, his words angered Ukrainians in Ukraine and beyond, who do not feel that russians and Ukrainians are one. Furthermore, his remarks seem to confirm observations by Ukrainian and other officials, congressmen and pundits that putin is doing everything in his power to resurrect the russian empire and restore the iron curtain. For confirmation, just read today’s headlines.

Ten years ago putin urged the two majority Orthodox neighbors to further integrate economically.

“Intense competition is going on now in global markets, for global markets," putin said after talks with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. “Only by joining forces can we be competitive and win in this rather tough competitive fight. We have every reason to believe that we can and must do it.”

However, he cynically added that russia would “respect whatever choice the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian state will make.”

As well as promoting economic ties, putin stressed the bonds between both countries forged by a common history and what he called russia and Ukraine’s “spiritual unity.”

“Together we went through great trials, tribulations and tragedies, together we built and defended the Great Rus,” putin said following a meeting with Ukraine’s top Orthodox clergy.

“All of us are spiritual successors of what happened here 1025 years ago. And in this sense we are certainly one people.”

If you had even the slightest doubt about russia’s intentions or even considered putin to be a pretty upright fellow, then his arm twisting in Ukraine then and invasion of Ukraine today should reaffirm the russian people’s recidivist treacherous side. The goal remains the same: invade and subjugate Ukraine, annihilate the Ukrainian nation and destroy its cultural legacy.

Nothing smacks of a restoration of the russian prison of nations and the iron curtain more than putin’s remarks over the years. Today’s russian war against Ukraine has merely added actions to words and reinforced moscow’s millennial intentions.

As in the past, so too in the future, we’ll be asked, what did you do to oppose russian expansion?

Life Imitating Art or russian & nazi terrorists never change

For those who can’t understand the latest iteration russia’s war against Ukraine, I found easy-to-comprehend clarity about the untold russian crimes against humanity committed against not only the Ukrainian nation but also the 1,000-year legacy that went into creating Ukrainians.

Every morsel of what it means to be Ukrainian. Every letter. Every word. Every book, poem and play, every artwork, painting and statue, musical note and composition. Every idea, invention, structure and edifice, achievement of a Ukrainian or all Ukrainians.

Since time immemorial and especially in the past 17 months muscovites/russians regardless of the flag atop the kremlin have endeavored not only to annihilate Ukrainians but also their creations that have attested to where they came from, where they are and where they hope to go.

We witnessed entire families mercilessly killed by russian cutthroats in uniforms. We’ve also seen them destroy museums, churches, historical books and literature, and artworks. The other day we saw the ruins of a historic sobor in Odesa that was struck by a russian missile. That Ukrainian house of worship was destroyed by stalin, later rebuilt and now destroyed by putin – leaders of the same murderous people.

Consequently, once Ukraine will defeat Russia and ensure its eternal entombment, Ukrainians must begin the task of rebuilding not only the farmlands and urban infrastructure, but also recreate as much as possible all aspects of their heritage, their culture. 

Why? The russians led by their demented putin wanted to erase Ukrainians and their memory from humanity’s memory.

Here’s how a comparable tragic situation was summarized by George Clooney’s character Lt. Frank Stokes in the 2014 movie The Monuments Men, a movie about a six-man Allied squad that was tasked to locate classical artworks stolen and hidden by the nazis: “You can wipe out an entire generation, you can burn their homes to the ground and somehow they'll still find their way back. But if you destroy their history, you destroy their achievements and it’s as if they never existed. That’s what Hitler wants and that’s exactly what we are fighting for.”

That’s what putin wants and that’s exactly what we, Ukrainians and the free world are fighting for.

US Lawmakers & UN Sec-Gen Condemn russia’s attacks on Odesa

With russia’s latest inhuman twist in its 17-month war against Ukraine that now focuses on food, US lawmakers and the UN Secretary-General have loudly condemned its heartless strategy.

Earlier this week moscow abrogated its participation in the grain accord that allowed Ukraine to safely export grain from its Black Sea ports to waiting markets around the world. The kremlin now considers the southern coast of Ukraine its war zone. For the past three days it has mercilessly bombed civilian living quarters and loading docks in order to derail any seaborne exports of wheat and other grains derived from Ukrainian farms. Furthermore, russia warned that it would sink any vessel on the Black Sea steaming toward Odesa on the suspicion of it’s being a military ship. The Black Sea is now a military no man’s land. Food is as much a weapon in russia’s hands as are cluster bombs.

In addition to raining destruction on the maritime infrastructure, russian missiles have also destroyed living quarters and killed innocent civilians. As you’ve read here, there is no collateral damage in russia’s war against Ukraine because all civilian residences and civilians themselves are regarded as legitimate military targets by moscow.

The fear is that this latest cruel tactic of moscow will contribute not only to price spikes on food but also famine around the world.

Yesterday Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01), and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement on the Black Sea Grain Deal and attack on Odesa.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s callous decision to withdraw from the multilateral agreement allowing Ukrainian grain to continue being exported through the Black Sea,” said the co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “As the ‘breadbasket of Europe’ agriculture is fundamental to Ukraine’s economy and the global food supply. Russia’s reneging on an international agreement is yet another attempt to force Ukraine into submission. This decision will not only impact Ukraine but will leave millions around the world at heightened risk of hunger and even on the brink of starvation. Putin knows his decisions will have far reaching and deadly consequences and tragically, he does not care. Russia’s overnight attacks on the port city of Odesa demonstrates their intention to completely disrupt the flow of Ukrainian grain to the rest of the world, even if that requires attacking civilian infrastructure.”

Today Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General, issued this statement attributable to the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Ukraine:

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the Russian attacks against port facilities in Odesa, and other Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
“The attacks contradict the Russian Federation’s commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations, which states that ‘the Russian Federation will facilitate the unimpeded export of food, sunflower oil and fertilizers from Ukrainian controlled Black Sea ports.’
“The Secretary-General also recalls that the destruction of civilian infrastructure may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. 
“These attacks are also having an impact well beyond Ukraine. We are already seeing the negative effect on global wheat and corn prices which hurts everyone, but especially vulnerable people in the global south.
“For his part, the Secretary-General will not relent in his efforts to ensure that Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizer are available on international markets as part of his ongoing efforts to fight global hunger and ensure stable food prices for consumers everywhere.”

I hope that these statements, as beneficial as they are, will not be relegated to the “nice but who cares” category. The kremlin habitually disregards all public criticisms and denunciations of its heinous actions. Nonetheless, statements in support of Ukraine are needed.

Ukrainians Consider Cluster Bombs a Boon to their War Effort and Existence

Since the United States approved a couple of weeks ago sending Ukraine cluster bombs to help fight and defeat russian terrorists that have invaded Ukraine 17 months ago, the world has been appalled and panic stricken.

The reason is that this weapon can inflict collateral damage on civilians. What is collateral damage? According to the dictionary, it is injury inflicted on something other than an intended target; specifically: civilian casualties of a military operation.

If you’ve been following my blog then you’d know that in Ukraine there is no collateral damage. All of Ukraine is a legitimate target in the minds of putin, his commanders and their cutthroats. Soldiers, ammunition storages, tanks, civilians, children, apartment buildings, pizzerias, etc. are military targets for russian terrorists.

Consequently, Ukrainian civilians aren’t aghast by Washington’s decision supply their armed forces with cluster bombs. I asked a colleague, a writer and publisher in Lviv, which endured a direct hit by russian missiles on an apartment complex that killed at least a dozen civilians, his thoughts about the frenzy over cluster bombs. He replied:

“And why didn’t the world go crazy on February 24, 2022? Why didn’t it start going crazy in February 2014 (when Crimea was invaded and seized)?

“Russia has been widely using cluster bombs since last year. And how does the world react to this?

“By the way, in American cluster bombs, up to 2% do not go off after the explosion, which can later pose a danger. And up to 45% of russian cluster bombs don’t detonate! Is there a difference?

“The Armed Forces of Ukraine fire only on military targets. Not civilians. Unlike muscovites.

“Ukraine did not sign the convention on cluster munitions, which was adopted in May 2008 in Dublin, because it considers cluster munitions to be legal weapons. Ukraine will use cluster munitions only for the de-occupation of its territories within the borders of 1991, which are recognized in the international legal field. That is, the weapon can be used in the temporarily occupied territory, but will not be used for strikes on the territory of the russian federation. Ukraine commits not to use cluster munitions in cities, and will strike only in areas where russian troops are concentrated, in order to break through the enemy’s defense lines.

“Ukraine must win. Ukrainians have no other way out.”

Indeed, if Ukrainians do not fight and defeat russians, there will be no Ukraine and Ukrainians.

2023 Presidential Captive Nations Week Proclamation Cites War in Ukraine

The 2023 Presidential Captive Nations Week Proclamation, which US presidents are mandated to issue each July, cites the russian war against Ukraine as an example of a national battle for democracy and freedom.

The first such proclamation was authorized by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1959 in support of “the peoples of the Soviet-dominated nations have been deprived of their national independence and their individual liberties.”

This year, President Biden recognizes the “Ukrainian people’s courageous defense of their sovereignty, freedom, land, and lives” again “russia’s brutal aggression.”

The full text of the 2023 Presidential Captive Nations Week Proclamation follows:

During Captive Nations Week, we reaffirm our support for brave people around the world who are standing up to oppressive rule and striving for greater freedom, greater dignity, and greater democracy.

When President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the first Captive Nations Week in 1959, he appealed directly to the hundreds of millions living behind the Iron Curtain — firm in the knowledge that authoritarianism could never erase a people’s love of liberty.  Over the coming decades, courageous women and men joined together to demand their fundamental freedoms and human rights.  But the battle against oppression did not end with the Cold War.  The forces of autocracy continue to reassert themselves.  In Iran, belarus, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China, and elsewhere, we are seeing an all too familiar contempt for the rule of law, for democracy, for human rights, and even for the truth itself.

This is all too evident in russia’s brutal aggression against its neighbor Ukraine and in the Ukrainian people’s courageous defense of their sovereignty, freedom, land, and lives.  And around the world, countless more are working every day in their own countries to advance the essential democratic principles that unite free people everywhere:  the rule of law; free and fair elections; the freedom of the press; the freedom to speak, write, and assemble; and the freedom to worship as one chooses.  These advocates and champions of democracy are living proof that the darkness that drives autocracy can never extinguish the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere.

The United States is proud to stand with all those who fight for freedom.  We will continue supporting democratic reformers and human rights defenders around the world, who are working for a future where women and girls can exercise their rights equally and contribute fully to society, where members of religious and ethnic minorities can live their lives without harassment, where LGBTQI+ people can live and love freely, and where citizens and the press can question and criticize their leaders without fear of reprisal. 

Two years ago, at the first Summit for Democracy, I was proud to launch the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, with more than $400 million in initiatives to defend and grow democratic resilience with partners around the globe.  This year, at our second Summit, I committed another $690 million to keep growing our work to advance democracy internationally.  Democracy — transparent and accountable government of, for, and by the people — is our most powerful tool to realize lasting peace, expand prosperity, and protect human dignity. 

The United States will continue to lead not just by the example of our power but the power of our example.  That is why, since my first day in office, my Administration has also taken decisive action to restore and strengthen democracy here at home.  I issued an Executive Order promoting access to voter registration and election information, and I signed into law the Electoral Count Reform Act, which helps preserve the will of the people against future attempts to overturn our elections.  The Department of Justice has strengthened its ability to fight unlawful voter suppression.  And I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. 

During this Captive Nations Week, as we honor the bravery of democratic reformers and human rights defenders everywhere, I am reminded of the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard:  “Faith sees best in the dark.”  To those living in darkness today:  We honor your resilience.  To those who are committed to the cause of liberty:  We are your partner for a better future. 

The Congress, by joint resolution approved July 17, 1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of July of each year as “Captive Nations Week.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 16 through July 22, 2023, as Captive Nations Week.  I call upon all Americans to reaffirm our commitment to championing those around the world who are working, often at great personal risk, to secure liberty and justice for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

End of russian War won’t Result in Peace

Despite the displays of camaraderie, adulation, support, back slapping, respect, awe, and humanitarian and military aid at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, the leaders of the free world’s bastion of defense stopped short of inviting Ukraine to cross the threshold into the hallowed ranks of the alliance, disappointing its President Zelenskyy and Ukrainians around the world.

In lieu of immediate membership, the alliance devised a list of its commitments to Ukraine’s military capability to defend itself and then to rebuild its country. The consensus among the NATO leaders was to develop a multi-lateral scheme that would ensure Ukraine’s future as a free independent, democratic, and sovereign nation.

“We will not waver,” Biden vowed after the summit in Lithuania ended. “I mean that. Our commitment to Ukraine will not weaken. We will stand for freedom today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.”

That takes the sting out of rejection.

However, the leaders had enumerated a handful of reasons or excuses for their verdict but none of them hold any water. Interoperability with NATO – done, battlefield skills – done, unique combat skills and superiority versus the enemy, russia – done.

However, their complaints about Kyiv’s tardy democratic development and the prevalence of corruption and graft are bogus complaints by those who realize they can’t lob any other stones at Ukraine because they, themselves, aren’t without sins but they’re afraid of the enemy, russia.

Consequently, the leaders of the alliance made their decisions from behind a desk while Ukrainians are heroically defending their country and Europe with their proven skills, determination, blood, guts and latest weaponry against NATO’s sworn enemy, russia.

As for their concerns about Ukraine’s war with russia, I’ll address that later.

Zelenskyy, who arrived in Vilnius with chants of Ukraine will make NATO stronger, was visibly and understandably infuriated by the decision that Ukraine didn’t make the cut. After all, Ukraine’s greatest attribute for being accepted has been its singular ability to stand up to unprovoked russian aggression, which can be regarded as the historic, anticipated battle for the country’s existence. The Ukrainian president had been travelling the world over, meeting with national leaders, urging, even pleading for Ukraine’s acceptance.

That gesture would have been the political shot heard round the world.

At the end, Zelenskyy was simply told Ukraine would be invited to become a member “when allies agree and conditions are met.” The answer itself was obnoxious.

Not surprisingly, Zelenskyy justifiably hit the roof, saying it was “absurd” for NATO leaders not to reveal even so much as a timetable. The conditions, he said, were “vague,” to say the least.

President Joe Biden, who sought to shine on the global stage, and his fellow leaders, in an effort to mollify the disappointment, did unveil a substantial multifaceted show of support for Ukraine, not really a consolation prize, but rather an eternal joint declaration of support for Ukraine aimed at bolstering the war-torn country’s military capability.

Biden acknowledged that the alliance did not invite Ukraine to join during the summit as the country works on “necessary reforms,” but, he said, “We’re not waiting on that process to be finished” to boost the country’s security. Biden has emphasized that Ukraine is not ready to enter NATO, admitting earlier that russia’s war in Ukraine needs to end before the alliance can consider adding Kyiv to its ranks.

“Mr. Zelenskyy and I talked about the kind of guarantees we could make in the meantime… And so today, the long-term commitments we’re making are backed up by the notion that in the meantime, we’re going to provide security to Ukraine for its needs and against any aggression that may occur.”

However, it appears Zelenskyy heard enough to return home satisfied, saying, “The results of the summit are good” in a news conference with the alliance’s chief. Among the moves NATO took was agreeing to remove one requirement for Ukraine’s entrance to the group – a Membership Action Plan – given Kyiv’s close relationship with NATO nations.

While sitting with Biden before their meeting on the summit’s sidelines, Zelenskyy reiterated that he felt the summit was a “success” for Ukraine despite his earlier frustrations – which Biden acknowledged during his remarks.

In an event with Zelenskyy and G-7 leaders, Biden told the Ukrainian president that American support is not going anywhere. The declaration, Biden said, “starts a process by which each of our nations, and any other nation who wishes to participate, will negotiate long-term bilateral security commitments with and to Ukraine.”

“We’re going to help Ukraine build a strong defense across land, air and sea,” Biden vowed, calling it “a force of stability in the region to deter against any and all threats.”

“The Ukrainian delegation is bringing home significant security, victory for the Ukraine, for our country, for our people, for our children. It opens for us absolutely new security opportunities, and I thank everyone who made it possible,” he said.

“Today we are launching negotiations with Ukraine to formalize – through bilateral security commitments and arrangements aligned with this multilateral framework, in accordance with our respective legal and constitutional requirements – our enduring support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, rebuilds its economy, protects its citizens, and pursues integration into the Euro-Atlantic community,” the declaration said, adding that those discussions will begin “immediately.”

A joint declaration issued by the G7 lays the groundwork for each nation to negotiate agreements to help Ukraine bolster its military over the long term. Zelenskyy described the initiative as a bridge toward eventual NATO membership and a deterrent against russia. The process will work on “bilateral, long-term security commitments and arrangements towards” three goals.

The first goal is “ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring russian aggression in the future,” through continued provision of security assistance and modern military equipment, support for Ukraine’s industrial base development, training for forces, intelligence sharing and cooperation, and support for cyber defense, security and resilience initiatives.

The second is “strengthening Ukraine’s economic stability and resilience, including through reconstruction and recovery efforts, to create the conditions conducive to promoting Ukraine’s economic prosperity, including its energy security.” And the third is “providing technical and financial support for Ukraine’s immediate needs stemming from russia’s war as well as to enable Ukraine to continue implementing the effective reform agenda that will support the good governance necessary to advance towards its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”

The announcement will start a process of bilateral negotiations with Kyiv, National Security Council senior director for Europe Amanda Sloat told reporters.

There will be a “long-term investment in Ukraine’s future force” aimed at “ensuring Ukraine has a sustainable fighting force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring russian aggression in the future, a strong and stable economy, and the help Ukraine needs to advance the reform agenda to support the good governance necessary to advance Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” she said.

“We believe the declaration we will announce today seeks to ensure Ukraine’s future as a free independent, democratic, and sovereign nation. It signals in joint long-term commitment to building a powerful defensive and deterrence force for Ukraine, of course for both stability and for peace. This multi-lateral declaration will send a significant signal to russia that time is not on its side,” Sloat said.

In turn, Zelenskyy offered heartfelt thanks to the U.S. for standing “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine from the first days of the war. He also acknowledged criticism facing the US following Biden’s controversial decision last week to send his country cluster munitions.

Defining an end to hostilities is no easy task. Officials have declined to define the goal, which could suggest a negotiated cease-fire or Ukraine reclaiming all occupied territory. Either way, putin would essentially have veto power over Ukraine’s NATO membership by prolonging the conflict.

While a firm date for Ukraine’s accession has not been set, the consent focused on an end to the war, which ironically was not defined. Does that mean a defeat of russia; a Ukrainian victory; a draw that focuses on a line of demilitarization; russia’s capitulation and withdrawal from Ukraine; russian reparations; capture and prosecution of war criminals?

After the summit, russia’s foreign minister sergei lavrov chimed in with a warning that the war won’t end until the West gives up plans to dominate and defeat russia.

The goal of the “US-led collective West” is to strengthen its global hegemony, lavrov told the Kompas newspaper. lavrov is due to attend the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum in Jakarta this week, as is U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Why doesn’t the armed confrontation in Ukraine come to an end? The answer is very simple – it will continue until the West gives up its plans to preserve its domination and overcome its obsessive desire to inflict on russia a strategic defeat at the hands of its Kyiv puppets,” according to a transcript of the interview published on russia’s foreign ministry website. “For the time being, there are no signs of change in this position.”

All of which indicates that the war won’t end in the foreseeable future. Throughout its history, muscovy/russia has repeatedly invaded Ukraine with the goal of subjugating the country and annihilating the nation. Chances are that it will continue doing so. Does that mean that Ukraine will never join NATO so long as the war lasts because Kyiv certainly can’t throw down its weapons just to accede to the alliance? If Ukraine does become a member at some time in the future, will the NATO allies have to continue sitting on the ramparts, waiting for russia to make another move against Ukraine or the other former captive nations?

So wouldn’t it have been better to allow Ukraine to join now, when russia is weak, crumbling and in disarray?