Why America Must Stand with Ukraine, And What It Costs Us to Look Away

The op-ed in The Hill draws a deliberate parallel: just as France's support proved decisive during the American Revolution, Ukraine needs sustained Western military aid to repel Russian invasion and secure its sovereignty.

The comparison isn't perfect, no historical parallel ever is. But the underlying argument is sound, and it matters for Americans right now.

What's Happening

Ukraine continues strategic strikes against Russian military and infrastructure targets. The piece argues this offensive capability depends entirely on Western support, particularly missile systems like the Patriot. Without it, Russia's superior resources will eventually wear Ukraine down, and a sovereign nation will be erased from the map through military force.

Why this matters: The outcome in Ukraine will reshape the international system. If a nuclear-armed autocracy can invade a democratic neighbor and simply absorb it through attrition, every small democracy bordering a larger power becomes vulnerable. That includes NATO allies. That affects American security directly.

The CGP Position

The Common Good Party's policy on Ukraine is clear: "Russia's invasion is an illegal war of aggression. A sovereign nation's right to self-determination is not negotiable."

This isn't sentiment. It's the bedrock principle that makes international law function at all. Nations have borders. Those borders mean something. When one country simply decides to redraw them by force, the entire system collapses, and democracies suffer most, because we've built our security on law rather than conquest.

Supporting Ukraine isn't charity. It's American self-interest in a rules-based world where might doesn't make right. It's also affordable. U.S. military aid to Ukraine through 2024 totaled roughly $42 billion, significant, but less than 10 percent of annual defense spending, and a fraction of what a full NATO commitment would cost if Ukraine fell and we had to defend Estonia or Poland ourselves.

The Hard Honest Part

This support does come with a cost. Every dollar in aid is a dollar not spent rebuilding American roads, supporting schools, or building the affordable housing we desperately need. That's a real trade-off, and it deserves an honest conversation.

But here's what's also true: weakness in Ukraine doesn't free up money for America. It invites more aggression elsewhere, which ultimately costs more in blood and treasure. History shows us that clearly.

The question isn't whether to pay, it's where to get the money from. And CGP's answer is the same as it always is: ask those with the most to contribute fairly. A fairer tax code that closes loopholes for corporations and the wealthy generates revenue without cutting services working people depend on. That's how you support Ukraine and rebuild America.