- United States
- Kan.
- Letter
The shift in US policy towards Ukraine is deeply concerning for the future of democracy and sovereignty. While negotiations for peace are critical, any agreement that undermines Ukraine's ability to defend itself or strips away its democratic ambitions would be a grave injustice. Ukraine is fighting not just for its own freedom, but for principles that underpin stability across Europe. The reported demands for Ukraine to relinquish its NATO aspirations and significantly downsize its military raise alarming questions about the true nature of the "peace" being pursued. Capitulation under duress is not peace. Ukraine must retain both the means and the sovereign right to determine its own security arrangements and geopolitical orientation as a free nation. Any final settlement must uphold Ukraine's democratic institutions and territorial integrity. Failing to do so would hand Russia an unconscionable victory and encourage further acts of aggression against other sovereign states. The US and its allies have a moral obligation to preserve Ukraine's democratic rights and defensive capabilities to deter future conflicts. A just and sustainable peace requires mutual respect for national sovereignty and self-determination. Anything less betrays the values America claims to uphold. I urge a principled stand in support of Ukraine's democratic rights and security assurances commensurate with the existential threat it continues to face.
