US support for Ukraine: a good investment

“We're back”, the United States is back, said Joe Biden at the start of his term. No other record demonstrates this as clearly as the support offered to Ukraine over the past year. Not only has the United States funneled money and military equipment, it has been at the heart of all initiatives to ensure the cohesion of allies.

Strong support since 2014

As early as the Russian invasion of Crimea, the Obama administration authorized programs to improve the country's security while contributing to the development of the Ukrainian air force. 

If at the beginning the United States only intervened in such a way as to allow Ukraine to better defend itself, from 2017-2018 we move to another level, the Trump administration committing to provide lethal weapons. It is in 2018 that the Javelin missile launcher and the Mark VI patrol boat will be sold to Ukrainians.

Since the February 2022 invasion, American investments have reached new heights. We have now passed the $50 billion mark, including $25 billion in military aid. Strictly in medical support and food, the aid granted amounts to nearly 10 billion. 

When we remember that Ukraine had only obtained a total of 346 million total aid in 2021, it is very difficult to deny that the American involvement is major and that we cannot imagine a hasty abandonment of Uncle Sam.

Reasons to continue

While some Republican voices are beginning to express reservations about the duration and cost of American support for Ukraine, polls by Gallup and the Pew Research Center show that popular opinion is still favorable to the American involvement. 

The Biden administration therefore still has room for maneuver in this regard in domestic policy, but it should be noted that support has diminished in recent months. If the sums invested are gargantuan, the current administration sees it above all as a profitable investment in the short and medium term.

What are the positive effects of these 50 billion invested in Ukraine? First of all, it can be perceived as an investment that contributes to weakening the Russian rival while punishing it for actions that contravene international law. Beyond the current conflict, Russia will recover with difficulty, both economically and militarily.

Moreover, without committing American troops, we offer the world a formidable example of American determination to support democratic regimes. 

Better still, by presenting ourselves as the leader of the European allies and the NATO, the United States warns the Chinese authorities at a time when the showdown between the two powers intensifies. The shadow of the Taiwanese case hangs over particularly troubled relations.

Limits

Financial assistance to Ukraine achieves several goals, but it will not last forever. While maximizing collateral benefits, the Biden administration must already plan a way out of the conflict. Foreign policy is rarely a winning bet on the campaign trail, and Americans may well tire of such heavy spending. The Republicans are counting on it. 

HELP FOR UKRAINIANS

Preference of Americans in the action of their government 

% supports a Ukraine that claims the territory, even if the conflict is protracted 

% end the conflict quickly, even if the Russia keeps territory

Jan. 23

65 % – 31 %

August. 22

66 % – 31 %