The United States has been one of many countries to back up Ukraine in its war against Russia. While Joe Biden has signed multiple bills to aid Ukraine billions of dollars, this money (along with resources such as guns) have been decreasing in recent times. Let’s take a closer look at the war as well as what this could mean for Ukraine. 

Background

To understand this conflict, the story has to start in 1991 when Ukraine officially dissolved from the Soviet Union. It had gained independence, however, many of the people in the country were Russian. Still to this day, many of those Russians have a strong sense of pride for their country and demand to annex Ukraine to be a part of Russia. 

These demands escalated on Feb. 20, 2014, when Russia invaded Crimea (previously a part of Ukraine) and annexed the area. This was the official start to the ongoing war we see today. 

Russian President Vladamir Putin feels a strong sense of irredentism: a policy of advocating the restoration to a country of any territory formerly belonging to it. According to the University of Rochester, many believe that Putin is attempting to annex Ukraine in order to “restore the USSR.” 

How does the US Feel About Giving Aid to Ukraine?

An estimated $75 billion has been sent to Ukraine from the US for humanitarian, financial, and military needs. Even though President Biden has signed multiple bills for this money, he has received outlash from many senators. Democrats support these bills whereas numerous Republican senators have openly stated that we should focus on our country first, and then others. 

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin openly stated “I don’t like this reality.”

He understands the severity of this war, however, he and many other Republicans believe that sending aid will not stop Russia. To be specific, it will not stop Putin. And so, they find it worthless to continue sending money to a losing battle. 

According to Gallup News, at the start of the war, 66% of Americans strongly supported aiding Ukraine in the war. Now, however, the number has dropped to 54%. A majority of Americans have now come to the idea that they would rather end the war quickly than continue it, even if it means Ukraine would be forced to secede to Russia. 

What’s Going on Right Now?

For the past few months, Ukraine has been relying on the US to keep back Russia. With the United States now aiding Israel as well along with domestic problems, the aid that has been going to Ukraine has decreased. Ukrainian soldiers have been forced to limit ammo usage, only being able to scare Russian soldiers but not able to fight back. 

The Senate has passed another aid package meant to relieve soldiers in Kyiv. This decision will definitely be met with opposition in the House where Republicans have voiced their opinions against this legislation. 

Just a few weeks ago, Russian forces captured Avdiivka, a small eastern city. This gave Putin a tremendous tactical advantage as it causes Western powers to rethink this war. Not only that, but the control of such cities helps Putin amid re-election and to expand control of his army. Since Avdiivka serves as a gateway for many other cities, this is a big loss for Ukraine. 

What Will Happen in the Future?

If the US decides to completely stop funding Ukraine, it would result in a total disaster. As of now, Ukraine has been mainly relying on the US for artillery shells and defense munitions. Without this, they would have nothing to stop Russia in an all-out attack. US Army veteran Miro Popovich said that “ammunition stalling greatly impacts us on the battlefield.” For many fighters, even the smallest delay can mean life or death. 

As previously mentioned, Avdiivka has already been lost to Russian troops. Without any way to stop them from advancing, no ammunition means total loss of control to other major cities such as Donetsk. Putin has been patiently waiting, striking away at Ukrainian forces one by one. Many countries believe that this is the chance he has been waiting for in order to put an end to this war.