When Russia brutally invaded Ukraine in February 2022, many predicted that my country would be overwhelmed and the war would end quickly. As we near the improbable one-year mark of this conflict, it’s clear that Ukrainians are far stronger than
imagined. I see this strength every day as I walk the streets of Kyiv—resilient people going about their lives with steely determination, even as they endure constant assault. In subzero conditions and with no heat, my hometown celebrated the holidays with hope, coming together to light the tree on Sofia Square and sing, despite fears of continued shelling.
In 2023, Ukraine can defeat Russia decisively and end this horrific war, which would be great not only for democracy and freedom but for the U.S. economy as well. To win rapidly and convincingly, we need more help from our strongest ally, America.
We ask for the continued support of the American people with full appreciation of their generosity so far. We are grateful for the nearly $25 billion in security assistance we have received from the U.S. since the invasion began. There is no question that it has helped us remain strong.
But we need more to stop the aggressors and guarantee freedom for all Ukrainians. While Ukraine’s defenders have recaptured various regions and fought back Russian advances in others, we need to take our campaign to the next level. If we can demonstrate resolute defensive capabilities such as the Patriot missile system, Mr. Putin will be forced to relinquish his dream of conquering Ukraine. Winning requires rapid access to advanced weaponry that a country of our size and wealth simply doesn’t have on its own.
In addition to military support, Ukrainians need help surviving the difficult and sustained onslaught from Russia. This humanitarian need can be seen plainly in the streets of Kyiv. Just the other day, a bomb exploded near my apartment in the middle of the night. We can’t stand to live in constant terror. The toll is not only physical but emotional—and the trauma will linger for years.
With everything going on in the U.S., it’s easy for Americans to wonder why they should do more. There are two reasons.
The primary reason is that helping your friend during a brutal attack is the right thing to do. But American support isn’t only a question of morals. America’s investment in the…
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