Ukraine: A war without an end in sight

As the attention of the American populace remains fixated on the riveting trial of former President Donald Trump, the war in Gaza and the fiery protests erupting across college campuses nationwide, another significant event is unfolding with far less fanfare: The Russia-Ukraine war quietly reached the 800-day milestone last Friday, with no discernible signs of abatement.

As the conflict rages on, its impact reverberates far beyond the borders of the two belligerent nations, sending shock waves across the international community and underscoring the fragility of peace in an increasingly interconnected world.

In the corridors of power in Washington, the deliberations surrounding US policy toward the conflict have been fraught with contention and nuance. Last month’s decision by the US House of Representatives to approve more than $61 billion in military assistance to Ukraine represents a watershed moment in America’s engagement with the crisis in Eastern Europe.

Amid mounting pressure from both domestic and international stakeholders, lawmakers grappled with the moral imperative to support Ukraine’s fledgling democracy while navigating the intricate web of geopolitical alliances and strategic interests.

The bipartisan nature of the vote, with 210 Democrats and 101 Republicans throwing their weight behind the measure, underscored the consensus on the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression. Yet, beneath the veneer of unity, fissures within the Republican Party threaten to undermine the coherence of America’s foreign policy approach.

Fissures within the Republican Party threaten to undermine the coherence of America’s foreign policy approach

Dalia Al-Aqidi

Within Republican ranks, a vocal contingent has voiced opposition to the allocation of additional funds to Ukraine, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility, the efficacy of military aid and the broader strategic calculus in facing Russia. The disagreement among Republicans shows how different ideas are causing problems in American politics today. It also shows how various factors, such as a desire to prioritize their own nation, consider what benefits them most and a sense of moral obligation, shape US foreign policy.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson showed great skill in handling the disagreements within his party. He successfully led the passage of the legislation despite facing opposition from some fellow Republicans. This demonstrates the crucial role of compromise and practical decision-making in political leadership, especially when divisions are deep and progress is hard to achieve.

As everyone watches closely, Ukraine’s future is uncertain, balancing between serious international tensions and tricky diplomatic moves. The decision by the US to give new military aid is critical in the ongoing fight with Russia. But even with this help, the future is still uncertain and dangerous. The bill allocates $23 billion for the US military to replenish its own supplies, $14 billion will buy top-notch weapons for Ukraine directly from US companies and another $11 billion will support ongoing US military activities in the region and improve Ukraine’s military and intelligence sharing. About $8 billion will be spent on nonmilitary aid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was thrilled by the news. He thanked both parties, especially Johnson, for making a decision that he believes will be historically really important. Zelensky said that democracy and freedom are essential globally and will always be strong as long as America helps protect them. He ended his statement with a big, “Thank you, America.”

However, in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had a different view. He said that the decision to approve security aid for Ukraine would make things worse in the conflict. Peskov stated that this decision would benefit the US but harm Ukraine, leading to more deaths among Ukrainians and more blame for the Kyiv government for this situation.

The hope for peace, fairness and freedom keeps shining, even though there are significant challenges ahead

Dalia Al-Aqidi

Memories of past conflicts echo in important government buildings and on the streets of Kyiv, reminding the world how much suffering war brings. As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, the hope for peace, fairness and freedom keeps shining, even though there are significant challenges ahead.

Efforts to bring an end to the conflict are underway, with Switzerland taking the lead by arranging a peace summit, with an invite to Pope Francis, at the Burgenstock resort in June. This gathering aims to foster a shared vision for achieving a fair and enduring peace in Ukraine. More than 160 delegations will examine previous discussions and highlight the importance of following the plan for peace in Ukraine and other ideas based on the rules set by the UN and international laws.

But what is the point of having a summit if the country at the heart of the issue is not invited? The Swiss government last week indicated that Russia had not been invited to the summit. It elaborated on its stance, highlighting a willingness to include Moscow in the discussions. However, it also noted that the Russian government had repeatedly conveyed its lack of interest in participating in the inaugural summit.

This underscores the complexity of diplomatic relations and the challenges inherent in fostering inclusive dialogue on contentious issues such as the Ukraine conflict.

In a separate development, the US has officially leveled accusations against Russia, alleging the use of chemical weapons. As a result, Washington has declared its intention to impose additional sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations. The State Department contends that Moscow’s actions constitute a breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the manufacture and deployment of chemical weapons. Specifically, Russia is accused of employing the “choking agent” chloropicrin against Ukrainian military personnel.

A resolution to the conflict in Ukraine remains elusive for now. The steadfast support for Kyiv from the US and Ukraine’s European allies persists, unwavering, despite the enduring nature of the conflict. The specter of a potential victory for Vladimir Putin and Russia looms ominously, casting a shadow of apprehension over neighboring nations, each acutely aware of the peril that could ensue should they be the next target.

Maintaining the status quo appears to be the sole viable option for the interim.

• Dalia Al-Aqidi is executive director at the American Center for Counter Extremism.