Ukraine Defense Support Group, L.L.C.

In the polarized debate over U.S. involvement in Ukraine, the question of America’s true objectives often arises. President Biden’s commitment to support Ukraine “as long as it takes” lacks a clear definition, leading to speculation among politicians, pundits, and the public. Many assume the U.S. aims to preserve Ukraine’s democracy and weaken Russia militarily while avoiding escalation into a broader conflict. As a former Green Beret and volunteer in Ukraine, I’ve observed that the U.S.’s goals are more nuanced. The aid to Ukraine is not solely about supporting freedom or sovereignty. Instead, it aligns with broader National Defense goals, as outlined in the 2022 National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Defense Strategy (NDS). The NSS and NDS prioritize: -Defending the homeland from threats, particularly from China. -Deterring strategic attacks on the U.S. and its allies. -Preparing to prevail in conflicts, focusing on challenges from China and Russia. -Building a resilient defense ecosystem. U.S. support to Ukraine serves these priorities by: -Weakening Russia’s military, economic, and diplomatic power. -Reducing European dependence on Russian resources. -Modernizing U.S. and allied military capabilities. -Disrupting the strategic positions of adversaries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Prolonged conflict technically benefits the U.S. and that of its allies. The military-industrial complex profits as global defense budgets soar, and the U.S. strengthens its geopolitical stance. In essence, “it” – the U.S.’s goals in Ukraine – is about imposing strategic costs and dilemmas on Russia while preparing for larger geopolitical challenges, particularly from China and BRICS nations. This complex interplay of national interests and global power dynamics underscores America’s long-term strategy in Ukraine, how the U.S. will vote on spending to support the conflict in the future, and what viable options exist to resolve this conflict.