1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is unjustified and reprehensible. Ukraine is merely defending itself against an imperialist power intent on extinguishing its sovereignty and national identity. The blame for this war lies squarely with Vladimir Putin, not the democratically elected Ukrainian government. Supporting Ukraine's right to self-defense and territorial integrity while strongly denouncing Russia's aggression is the principled stance. President Trump's statements downplaying Russia's culpability, denigrating President Zelensky, and suggesting Ukraine should not have resisted the invasion are highly misguided and problematic. Emboldening Russia while undermining Ukraine's legitimate struggle further enables Putin's neo-imperial ambitions and war crimes against the Ukrainian people. The United States and its allies must remain firmly committed to assisting Ukraine, enforcing tough sanctions on Russia, and repudiating Trump's dangerous pro-Putin rhetoric that aids and abets the aggressor.