Ukraine has become the main front in a global conflict between authoritarianism and democracy that its citizens are defending at the cost of their lives.
Even if their chances were not given much a year ago, Ukrainians are staying on the front lines of this struggle for democracy thanks to their exceptional courage and hope for a West-facing democratic future.
However, victory will also depend on the will of established democracies to give Ukrainians the arms and support necessary to win the military battle and ensure their economic and political survival.
More anniversaries in sight?
On the pitch, the Ukrainians have achieved a lot with little, but are far from finished. Vladimir Putin seems intent on sacrificing tens of thousands of other soldiers to win a war of attrition from which he would only reap the rubble.
Putin is also waging a joke war to convince the world that, depending on his mood at the time, Ukrainians are fascists, puppets of global capitalism, or bright leftists who threaten Mother Russia’s sacred values.
There can only be one total victory for Ukraine now. It will take time for that. Above all, international aid must be increased —.
A tough test for the alliance
It is evident that NATO is emerging from this year stronger in the face of the Russian threat, thanks in part to the Biden administration’s switch in favor of full US involvement.
By comparison, Russia has been able to clearly win over only a few pariahs of the international community, including North Korea, Iran and Syria.
However, the economic sanctions have not had the desired effect as several countries continue to do business with Russia normally, notably China, India and Saudi Arabia.
Western Europe bears a good share of the cost of the sanctions, but the political will to support Ukraine remains strong there.
However, that desire will depend on the leadership of the United States and the commitment of all its allies, including us.
Necessary (North) American guidance
A year ago, there was no guarantee that American public opinion would support Ukraine. Today, despite the high bill and the risk of escalation, a clear majority votes in favor of aid to Ukraine.
However, Russia retains support within the Trumpist right, which is quite receptive to Putin’s message when he claims to defend traditional Christian values against the “globalists” (read “the Jews”) and the “awakened” left.
For now, the Republican establishment is resisting this pressure.
As 2024 approaches, it will become more difficult for elected Republicans to shoulder Biden, even as the costs, risks and need for U.S. engagement increase.
Canada must also participate. There is pro-Putin sentiment among us, but it remains confined to a few conservatives who feed on the same sources of misinformation as their American counterparts, and others so blinded by anti-Americanism that they call Putin’s “anti-fascist… “ speech swallow.
In order to help Ukrainians in this global conflict, all democracies must lend a hand. For Canada, that must mean providing more than four tanks.
