The recent actions of Russia in Ukraine, including mass mobilization and the use of missile-borne attacks against civilians, have sparked discussions about the possibility of providing further military aid to Ukraine. The latest package of aid from Western nations included tanks, but there are now debates about sending F-16 fighter jets.
This dilemma raises the question of the ultimate goal of the United States and its allies – is it to merely ensure Ukraine’s survival or to help expel Russia from Ukrainian territory and defeat Russian President Vladimir Putin?
As the conflict approaches its one-year anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Moscow may be preparing for a revenge attack against the free world. CIA Director William Burns also emphasized that the situation could escalate in the next six months. Burns stated that the objective is to “puncture Putin’s hubris” and prevent him from advancing further into Ukraine while also risking losing territory that was illegally seized.
In response to Ukraine’s calls for assistance, the United States is preparing to announce a new $2.2 billion package that includes longer-range missiles. The package will include the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb, a guided missile with a range of 90 miles. However, it may take some time for the weapon to arrive as the United States will need to contract with American arms manufacturers to provide it.
Despite not being a member of NATO, the conflict has led to a stronger-than-expected response from Ukraine, who is now using some of the West’s advanced military equipment. This ironic outcome of the war contradicts one of Putin’s perceived invasion goals – to prevent Ukraine from ever joining NATO.
