By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The potential collapse of Ukraine would be a far greater humiliation for the United States than its withdrawal from Afghanistan, argues former UK Foreign Secretary William Hague. He cautions that President-elect Trump’s perceived desire for a quick, Russia-favoring resolution to the conflict could embolden Russia and lead to further aggression in the future. Hague emphasizes the importance of maintaining Western strength and resolve against Russia, drawing parallels to the West’s failure to adequately punish Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014. He urges a continuation of firm support for Ukraine to prevent a disastrous outcome.
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Abandoning Ukraine would be a far worse decision for the United States than the withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to a former UK chief diplomat. The consequences of leaving Ukraine to its fate would be much more severe and far-reaching than the fallout from the Afghan withdrawal.
Firstly, it would signal to the world that the US can be easily manipulated by foreign powers. If the US simply abandons Ukraine because of public opinion or political pressure, it sends a clear message that any enemy can achieve their goals by simply waiting out US public opinion. This could lead to a decline in US credibility and influence on the global stage, making it harder to rally allies and partners in the future.
Moreover, abandoning Ukraine would be a major strategic blunder. It would embolden Russia and potentially trigger a domino effect of instability in Eastern Europe. Countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and other nations bordering Russia might feel pressured to join the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a Russian-led bloc, for fear of being left vulnerable. This would significantly expand Russia’s influence and threaten the security of NATO.
The situation in Ukraine is vastly different from Afghanistan. The conflict in Ukraine has direct implications for the security of Europe and the US’s own allies. Allowing Russia to conquer Ukraine would be a major geopolitical victory for Moscow, giving them control of vital agricultural and energy resources and paving the way for further expansion.
It’s crucial to remember that Russia’s ambitions go beyond Ukraine. The country has already shown its willingness to use military force to achieve its goals. If Russia is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, it could easily set its sights on other countries in the region, potentially leading to a wider conflict.
The Afghan withdrawal, while flawed and criticized, did not have the same strategic ramifications as a potential withdrawal from Ukraine. While the US lost credibility and equipment in Afghanistan, the withdrawal did not directly threaten the security of major US allies or open the door to a wider conflict.
The decision to support Ukraine is not just about humanitarian concerns but about the broader strategic interests of the United States. By standing firm against Russia’s aggression, the US can deter future conflicts and preserve its position as a global leader. Abandoning Ukraine would be a strategic failure with far-reaching consequences for the US and its allies.
It’s important to acknowledge the arguments against continued US involvement in Ukraine. Some argue that the war is too costly and that the US should focus on its own domestic issues. Others believe that supporting Ukraine only prolongs the conflict and that a negotiated settlement is the only viable solution.
However, the risks of abandoning Ukraine are simply too great to ignore. The implications for US credibility, global security, and the future of democracy in the region are too severe. The US must continue to support Ukraine, alongside its allies, and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The world is watching, and the consequences of failing to act are simply too high.