Bolster Ukraine, sanction Putin regime to deter Russian aggression

Russia's latest aggression against Ukraine lays bare the futility of appeasing Putin. We must reject the previous administration's overtures to Moscow and the easing of sanctions that emboldens further hostility. Instead, America should surge military and economic aid to Ukraine, reinforce NATO solidarity, and ratchet up sanctions to cripple Russia's war machine. A hollow ceasefire bereft of security guarantees merely allows Putin to regroup before resuming offensives, as Russia did after violating Minsk. Durable peace requires standing firm with democratic partners and upholding principles—not sacrificing them for illusions of stability that Russia exploits. Putin understands only deterrence and resolve, not concessions taken as weakness. Strengthening Ukraine and collective defense is the path to peace.