Is U.S. Aid to Ukraine Too Little, Too Late?

Foreign Aid Package Finally Approved for Ukraine

This week, Congress sent a long-overdue foreign aid package to President Joe Biden’s desk, finally authorizing $61 billion in desperately needed military assistance for Ukraine. But before you breathe a sigh of relief for Ukrainians who have been bravely fighting Russia’s invasion for two years, consider that in the six months it took for skeptical Republicans to approve the package, Russia made half-a-year’s worth of battlefield advances. The question that nags me is whether U.S. aid was too little, too late – not just for Ukraine, but also for the United States.

A Critical Moment for Ukraine and U.S. Credibility

That’s because the belated vote in Congress to approve the foreign assistance package was critical not only for Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory and its people but also for America’s credibility on the world stage as a reliable partner willing to support friends against unprovoked threats from adversaries and authoritarians. This aid package, however large, is not enough to ensure that message gets through; the U.S. needs to make a commitment to ongoing assistance so Kyiv can regain enough territory to force Moscow to make concessions on the battlefield or in peace talks.

Russia’s Advances and U.S. Weakness

While Congress was arguing, Russia was making steady advances in the last six months and has reconstituted its military strength with the help of China, Iran, and North Korea. For now, U.S. military support will allow Ukraine to hold the line and quash Russian advances, but it is too late for a Ukrainian offensive or a quick or decisive Ukrainian victory.

The Importance of Ongoing Support

Without a credible commitment to ongoing bipartisan support for Kyiv, Moscow wouldn’t be wrong to assume that the U.S. will abandon Ukraine sooner or later, especially if this year’s U.S. presidential election returns Trump to the White House. Regardless of the results in November, a failure by Congress to build on the latest aid package in words and deeds will undermine U.S. leadership and credibility around the world, emboldening our enemies.

Challenges Ahead for Ukraine

Even with fresh U.S. assistance that began flowing this week, Ukraine is still likely to be outgunned this year. There is hope that increased U.S. and European ammunition production could turn the tide next year, but Russia has the advantage for now. In a best-case scenario, Ukraine can use long-range missiles – the so-called ATACMS, which were quietly delivered by Washington to Ukraine in recent weeks – to pressure Russian forces behind the frontlines, especially in Crimea, laying the groundwork for future offensive action.

Addressing Ukraine’s Needs

U.S. military support will give Ukraine some breathing room until the end of the year, allowing its military to bolster defenses and mobilize the necessary manpower to go back on the offensive. Ukraine has some problems that foreign aid funding won’t solve: it needs more soldiers – and younger ones. The Ukrainian parliament passed a mobilization bill earlier this month to lower the conscription age to 25 and add penalties for dodging military service.

At least for now, the long-delayed passage of the U.S. foreign aid bill has signaled to our partners and adversaries around the world that Washington does not abandon its friends, even in the face of deep domestic polarization.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Explanation:

The article discusses the need for ongoing foreign aid and military assistance to Ukraine to defend its territory and people against Russia’s invasion. This highlights the importance of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) in resolving conflicts and ensuring the rule of law. Additionally, the article mentions the role of partnerships and international cooperation (SDG 17) in providing support to developing countries like Ukraine.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 16.1: Reduce violence and related death rates
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels
• Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms
• Target 17.1: Strengthen domestic resource mobilization
• Target 17.2: Enhance international cooperation for sustainable development
• Target 17.3: Support developing countries in achieving debt sustainability
• Target 17.4: Assist developing countries in attaining technology transfer and access to affordable essential medicines

Explanation:

The targets identified are relevant to the issues discussed in the article. Target 16.1 focuses on reducing violence and related death rates, which is crucial in the context of Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Target 16.3 emphasizes the promotion of the rule of law and equal access to justice, which are essential for resolving conflicts and ensuring a just society. Target 16.7 highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, which can contribute to peacebuilding efforts. Target 16.10 emphasizes the need for public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms, which are crucial for transparency and accountability in conflict situations.

Under SDG 17, target 17.1 focuses on strengthening domestic resource mobilization, which is relevant for Ukraine’s ability to finance its defense and recovery efforts. Target 17.2 emphasizes the need for enhanced international cooperation, which is crucial for providing ongoing support to Ukraine. Target 17.3 highlights the importance of supporting developing countries in achieving debt sustainability, which can contribute to their stability and resilience. Target 17.4 emphasizes the need to assist developing countries in accessing technology transfer and affordable essential medicines, which can support their development and recovery.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: cfr.org

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