Where Do We Stand?
In the midst of a territorial crisis on the other side of the world, where does the United States stand?
Image Credit: Stefan Fussan
To understand what the United States’ position is in relation to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it is important to understand why conflict is happening in the first place.
Why is Russia invading Ukraine?
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, countries that were once a part of the Communist sphere started being overtaken by NATO. Russia’s long-term leader Vladimir Putin saw this as a threat, now that most of the countries that used to form part of a world superpower were joining forces and backing each other in case of military conflicts. NATO borders were trudging along Europe and essentially surrounding Russia, actions which Putin does not like. Russia’s move to attack Ukraine also stems from the desire to redraw the parameters of the Soviet Union. President Putin believes that both Belarus and Ukraine are rightful parts of Russia, and thus need to be reclaimed. Additionally, talks of having Ukraine be another nation in NATO’s arsenal would mean more bad news for Russia.
What is the U.S.A.’s role in this conflict?
Because Ukraine is not part of NATO, the member states cannot start a war on behalf of Russia’s advancements. The United States will not go to war against Russia unless it makes a direct attack on an allied country. Instead, the U.S, members of NATO and other countries across the globe are opting to hold Russia accountable for its actions by imposing sanctions that will harm its economy. So far, the United States has banned the imports of Russian oil, gas and coal, cut off Russia from U.S. dollar financing, among other financial sanctions. This way, the United States can continue to support Ukraine without violating treaties set in place to prevent the President from sending the country into war by himself. Additionally, the United States is able to send Ukraine provisions of both non-lethal and lethal defensive items such as High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, secure communications, satellite imagery and analysis support, counter-battery radars, night vision devices and thermal scopes, sniper rifles, and equipment to support military medical treatment and combat evacuation procedures. The United States has also continued financial support stemming all the way back to 2014 when the conflict with Russia began. Though the U.S. continues to show support for Ukraine, it is not willing to overstep any lines and be caught in the crossfire and start a nuclear war with Russia.
Will Ukraine be joining NATO?
Currently, though Ukraine is not a member of NATO, it is an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. This title is given to countries that have “made significant contributions to Nato-led operations and missions.” Other nations that hold this title include Australia, Finland and Jordan. In order to become a member of NATO, all 30 members must unanimously be in favor of a new addition to the lineup. If Ukraine were to join NATO, its military presence would see improvement and would guarantee Ally involvement in military conflicts as per the organization's guidelines. It is unlikely that Ukraine will be a part of NATO in the near future due to the ongoing conflict with Russia and unresolved territorial issues.
What happens next?
Ultimately, the United States cannot participate in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict because it is not in its legal right to do so. Overstepping the boundaries put in place with the foundation of NATO would lead to a full-blown third World War. However, because Ukraine is an ally of NATO, its members are doing what they can to aid Ukrainians in surviving Russia’s attacks. The United States has stood firmly as an ally to Ukraine since 2014 and continues to do so today as a world leader in participating in economic sanctions to penalize Russia. Though the duration of this conflict is uncertain, the United States and the members of NATO have made it known that supporting Ukraine is, and will continue to be, the main goal for as long as it is deemed necessary.
