We are at War with Russia — Support for Ukraine is Support for the International Order

Ukrainian leadership has been understandably frustrated in the past week.

When Iran launched its missiles and drones on Israel, joint Jordanian, Saudi Arabian, UK, and US intelligence, fighter jets, and Israel’s iron dome took down some 300 missiles and drones.

Where is such solidarity when Russia bombs Ukraine?

Ukraine interpreted this as a lack of consistency in US security policy and commitment to its allies. They argue that Russia is using the same Iran-made drones and missiles that are bombing Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Odesa in Ukraine. So, why the difference?

For the US, Russia is a nuclear power so there is no need to provoke them into an escalation. That does not explain why the US is so slow to provide Ukraine with defensive missiles and ammunition, however.

The truth is that Ukrainians are actively dying because of this security policy. Support for Ukraine is still blocked in the US Congress.

So, it’s worth reiterating in a post why Putin must be defeated. Americans should realize that their support for Ukraine is a bargain; more importantly, it signals to authoritarians that the US will support its allies.

What remains of international order depends on Ukraine successfully defeating Russia — and Putin. It’s time we realized that we are in fact at war with Russia. Putin knows this. Why can’t we?