As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, most of the free world is righteously united in backing the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom. The American people are united and realize that Vladimir Putin’s unjustifiable invasion of a sovereign nation cannot go unanswered, and our actions have been indicative of that overall sentiment. However, even though the United States remains the leader of
the coalition opposing Putin’s invasion, the Biden Administration—alongside many of our elected officials—has fallen short of the mark. Americans, alongside our allies, are paying the price for the lack of leadership exhibited by our nation’s commander-in-chief and the leader of the free world. The Biden Administration’s failure to chart a clear path forward has diminished the world’s ability to stand up to Putin and stand behind the Ukrainian people.
There is little no doubt amongst the American people that we must respond with decisive action against Putin to protect the free world. However, the Biden Administration’s lethargy has introduced unnecessary confusion regarding the American response. This paradigm is best illustrated with Biden's initial refusal to send long-range rocket systems to the Ukrainian military. President Biden initially stated that “[The United States is] not going to send Ukraine rocket systems that can strike into Russia,” only for that
statement to be walked back almost immediately at the press conference by a senior administration official.
While this is just the most recent example of the lack of cohesion exhibited by the Biden Administration, there are countless other examples that have been on full display since Russia violated the sovereignty of Ukraine.
The integrity of the United States depends on our elected officials having a clear message that America will defend itself, our allies, and our interests; yet the Biden Administration often contradicts or walks back statements from our commander-in-chief. Not only does this not inspire any confidence in decisive American leadership, but it broadcasts confusion to our allies abroad who are following our lead as we try to resolve this horrible conflict.
However, while it is important that America does continue to uphold our mantle as the leader of the free world, we have to always ensure that we are taking care of Americans first. In Congress today, it seems that any elected official who judiciously wants to debate the best course of action is deemed un-American and in support of Putin. Not only is this wrong, but it also harms the American people in that our representatives are not having rigorous debate about how best to allocate our resources. For example, the United States has sent Ukraine nearly $60 billion dollars, which approaches the total budget of the
Russian military—which is roughly $65 billion. For greater context, the United States has sent more money to Ukraine than we spent in our first two years in Afghanistan. While it is paramount that we draw a red line in the sand and support our allies in Ukraine, writing a massive check—without any serious debate from our elected officials—is not supported and will undoubtedly grow corruption within Ukraine and line the pockets of corrupt officials within our shores.
Additionally, when the United States writes a $60 billion dollar check why would other NATA countries feel the need to chip in. This is not leadership, it is enabling others to not join in and spending funds America doesn’t have to likely make little impact if a plan does not follow the funds. Fundamentally, the United States and our allies ought to be trying to resolve this war and alleviate as much human suffering as possible together. Putin’s actions are reprehensible, and the world is rightfully outraged at many of the potential war crimes committed by the Russian military. The slaughter of innocent women and children, alongside the use of forbidden weapons, is a violation of the laws of war.
That is why bold American leadership is more important than ever. From the White House to the halls of Congress, our nation must make the tough decisions and ultimately select the best course of action.
While doing so, they cannot forget their commitment to the American people. The Biden
Administration’s lack of leadership has enabled a Congress unwilling to have difficult conversations and telegraphed to the world that America’s commitment is wavering. As the commander-in-chief, President Biden is ultimately responsible and must begin charting a clear path forward to end this unjust war.