As President Donald Trump prepares to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, he is being urged to make the robust defense of Ukraine a top priority. The advice suggests that regardless of current concerns, Trump should not abandon Kyiv.
The argument posits that with Russian President Vladimir Putin continuing his military actions, Trump should communicate to NATO counterparts the necessity of maintaining a strong stance, increasing pressure on Moscow, and reinforcing defensive capabilities along the eastern frontier.
Russian aggression is characterized as a significant generational security challenge for Europe, with potential future implications for the United States. The memo emphasizes that this issue should be a primary concern for all alliance leaders. Failing to do so, it warns, could signal weakness to Putin and embolden adversaries globally.
Ukraine is noted for its resilience in repelling attacks, having struck targets within Russia and significantly slowing Moscow's territorial gains. Vice President JD Vance is quoted as stating that Russia is "paying a lot for every square kilometer they get."
The opinion piece contends that shared American and European interests necessitate Trump using the summit to rally decisive support for Ukraine, enabling it to resist the invasion rather than accept a capitulation that rewards Russian aggression. Issues such as Greenland, funding disputes, and overflight permissions are described as secondary to the core European security challenge posed by Russian militarism and Putin's objectives on the continent.
Concerns are raised that as Ukraine continues to frustrate Moscow, Putin may resort to nuclear threats. The memo advises Trump not to be deterred by such threats, stating that Putin understands any nuclear attack would result in Russia's complete destruction.
The conflict, initiated by Putin, is now in its fifth year and has incurred substantial costs for Moscow in terms of resources, lives, and international standing, making it unsustainable for Russia. Ukraine is described as bravely serving as a buffer between what is termed civilization and barbarism.
The financial burden shared by the U.S. and NATO is presented as minor compared to the human cost borne by Ukraine, including the loss of life and the destruction in cities like Mariupol. The piece concludes by urging President Trump to support Ukraine at the Ankara summit.