Pavlo KryvenkoThe recent announcement of a major new US aid package for Ukraine has sparked a range of emotions among Ukrainians and their supporters. On one hand, the $61 billion in military and humanitarian assistance has boosted morale and renewed optimism about Ukraine’s ability to withstand and ultimately prevail against Russia’s invasion. On the other hand, the aid package has also highlighted the fragility of Ukraine’s position and the need for sustained, long-term support to ensure victory.
The delays in providing this aid have been costly. For months, Ukrainian troops have faced overwhelming Russian advantages in artillery firepower, often at a 10-to-1 disadvantage. This has allowed Russia to make incremental gains, capturing towns like Avdiivka and pushing forward in other areas. Russia has also exploited gaps in Ukraine’s air defenses to launch devastating bombing campaigns against cities and critical infrastructure.
The new aid package, which includes air defense systems, interceptor ammunition, artillery shells, and long-range missiles, will help address some of these immediate challenges. It will bolster Ukraine’s ability to protect civilians and vital infrastructure from Russian bombardment, while also making it harder for Russia to advance and occupy additional territory. The aid will also help contest Russian dominance of the skies above the battlefields of eastern and southern Ukraine.
However, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of perspective. While this aid package is a significant step forward, it is not a panacea. Ukraine still lacks the quantities of weapons and ammunition needed to decisively defeat Russia. The delays in providing aid have been a persistent problem since the start of the invasion, with weapons consistently delivered after extended delays and in insufficient quantities.
To truly banish both gloom and complacency, the West must commit to a methodical, long-term approach to supporting Ukraine. This means securing aid against changing political winds in various capitals and ensuring that European leaders accept a greater share of the burden. It also requires a shift toward a wartime economy capable of supplying the Ukrainian military for years to come, despite the potential political unpopularity of such a move.
As the war enters its third year, Ukraine is still waiting for the arrival of the first F-16 fighter jets. This delay underscores the need for a more proactive and coordinated approach to military aid. The alternative is unpalatable: if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, he will go further, and Europe will face a resurgent Russia with all the additional colossal costs that would entail.
The belated US aid package is a welcome development that should provide a much-needed boost to Ukraine’s defenses. However, it is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem. To truly banish both gloom and complacency, the West must commit to a sustained, long-term effort to support Ukraine, ensuring that the country has the weapons, ammunition, and resources it needs to prevail against Russian aggression.