FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 7, 2021
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, President Biden participated in a video call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral issues, including U.S.-Russia tensions over Ukraine. Defense Priorities Policy Director Benjamin H. Friedman issued the following statement in response:
“The United States should cut a deal with Russia that staves off the chances of a renewed invasion of Ukraine. That is not because we approve of Russia’s conduct, but because it is a prudent way toward peace in Ukraine. Russia is essentially asking for the United States not to do something it’s not planning to: fight a war to defend Ukraine. True: the Biden administration cannot meet Russia’s demand to formally forswear Ukraine’s entry into NATO, as they can’t bind future leaders. But the administration can say we do not plan to let Ukraine into NATO, and we do not plan to send missiles or troops there. Saying that publicly should satisfy Russia enough to end this crisis.
“The issue before us is not whether to defend Ukraine from Russia militarily. It’s never going to be credible that we will. The issue is whether we are willing to admit that. And if we do admit what should be obvious, that we are not going to defend Ukraine, through NATO or otherwise, it will help Kyiv toward the unpleasant realization that Ukraine’s security will not come from the West. So it depends on pursuing a policy in line with Ukraine’s geopolitical reality. Washington cannot change that.”
DEFP report: Saying “no” to NATO—options for Ukrainian neutrality
DEFP explainer: The futility of U.S. military aid and NATO aspirations for Ukraine