We must not abandon Ukraine's struggle for freedom
The prospect of Trump returning to the Whitehouse, the rise of centrifugal political forces in Europe, and Hungary’s forthcoming presidency of the Council of the EU is the (im)perfect storm for the Ukrainian cause. Support for Ukraine among the UK and our allies must remain steadfast and unwavering.
The West does not have the stomach for war, nor do we have the patience. Wars require swift victories, or risk losing domestic support. Unfortunately for the West - and Ukraine - this war has devolved into one of attrition.
History demonstrates the harsh reality of war fatigue. Conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan all exemplify the fickle nature of the West. Support among policymakers and the public seldom lasts long, and economic disruption only hastens this tendency.
Wavering support can have immense ramifications, for the West and the global order.
Putin must not be allowed to secure a victory against Ukraine. In our unstable multipolar world, his imperial ambitions must be curbed, and a strong message of deterrence sent to other tyrants. His revisionist history, support for separatist movements, proxy wars, and alignment with global pariahs affirm what Russian neighbours have long warned: Putin has a noxious fixation with ambitions extending beyond Ukraine.
For this reason, the UK must maintain unequivocal support for Ukraine. The new Labour Government must further arm Ukraine, strengthen sanctions, seize Russian assets, and officially recognise Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Russia continues to terrorise Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. This week saw one of the deadliest waves of airstrikes on Kyiv, killing at least 41 civilians, including three children. Yet, we do not recognise Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
This tragedy is not unique. Russia has destroyed almost twice the number of buildings destroyed during the Blitz in London, abducted 700,000 Ukrainian children, and continues to fund the Wagner Group – a proscribed terrorist organisation.
The new Parliament must also build on bills like the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill. This step is essential in closing loopholes which enable Russian oligarchs to evade sanctions.
Putin has been appeased for too long. We have miserably failed in this regard. After Russia’s invasion of South Ossetia in 2008, French President Nicolas Sarkozy negotiated ceasefire terms. Russia violated these without consequence. Even following the 2014 invasion of Crimea, Western sanctions were inconsistent, limited in scope, and had minimal economic impact. Our slow and weak response has signalled that Putin can act with impunity.
The notion that NATO expansion has provoked Putin is unfounded. The West did not coerce anyone into joining NATO; instead, these countries eagerly sought membership. Many have a recent history of suffering under Russian tyranny, and their fear of its resurgence has proven justified.
Russia’s aggression has been NATO’s most effective recruiting sergeant. One need only look at Russia’s traditionally neutral Nordic neighbours who eagerly applied for NATO membership following the illegal invasion.
Putin apologists often forget that the West made significant efforts to integrate Russia into the global political and economic systems. Bill Clinton invited Russia into the G7, making it the G8. Tony Blair was a strong advocate for Russia joining the World Trade Order. George W. Bush, who had a particularly good relationship with Putin, established the NATO-Russia Council. Angela Merkel, Jacques Chirac, Silvio Berlusconi, and other leaders across the EU were instrumental in integrating Russian energy into Europe. For this, Russia was generously compensated, while the West suffered for this dependency.
These apologists will argue that we risk starting World War III or even a nuclear war. This is a fallacy. Such an escalation will only occur if we allow Putin a victory. If he succeeds, not only will he reach the borders of NATO, but he will learn – once again – that the West is weak.
Be under no illusion, Putin has made irrational strategic decisions before, and we have no reason to believe he wouldn’t provoke a response under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. Tyrants are not to be trusted.
Ukraine is fighting for liberty, democracy, and sovereignty – values we claim to cherish. Yet, we supply collectively only enough to maintain a military stalemate. We must defend freedom, not yield to tyrants. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last. If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.
This article was written in collaboration with UK Friends of Ukraine. 16 MPs have backed the #UkraineMustWin campaign thus far.
Ellis Coughlan works in public affairs and communications, drawing on a background in Politics and International Relations from UCL.
