By Matt Underwood The urgency surrounding the aid to Ukraine has intensified, with many expressing frustration over what they see as Biden’s delay in providing sufficient support. There’s a sense that the Biden administration has been hesitant to truly empower Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend itself, and that the limited aid provided has been insufficient to truly impact the conflict. The fear is that this hesitancy stems from a desire to avoid escalation, a fear that seems misplaced given the already dire situation. A common sentiment is that Biden should have been more aggressive in providing aid from the outset, and that any concerns about escalation are now moot given the potential for a Trump presidency.
The looming specter of Trump returning to power has added a layer of anxiety to the situation. The belief that Trump would prioritize appeasing Putin over supporting Ukraine has led to calls for Biden to “Trump-proof” his actions. There’s a widespread feeling that Trump’s potential return would be disastrous for Ukraine, allowing Putin to dictate terms and potentially even further encroach on Ukrainian territory.
There’s a clear sense that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is directly tied to the type of aid it receives, and that the current limitations on weapons usage are hindering its ability to effectively push back against Russian aggression. Many argue for lifting these restrictions, allowing Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons to target critical infrastructure in Russia. This, they believe, could force a conclusion to the conflict or at least push Russian forces back before the inauguration of a potential Trump presidency.
The fear is that a Trump presidency would be a return to the same old pattern of appeasement and inaction, leaving Ukraine vulnerable and Russia emboldened. There’s a sense of urgency, with many calling for a drastic increase in aid and a loosening of restrictions on weapons usage. The goal is to give Ukraine the best possible chance of defending itself before the inauguration of a president who may not share its interests or those of its allies. There’s a sense that Biden, knowing the potential for a Trump presidency, should be doing everything in his power to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and ensure its continued resistance, as the fate of a nation hangs in the balance.