US defense priorities appear to be at a crossroads. Can the United States materially sustain Ukraine in its fight with Russia while preparing for a possible fight with China in defense of Taiwan? There appears to be a competition for resources between two seemingly distinct US foreign policy objectives. But if Russia defeats Ukraine and a future war between the United States and China occurs over Taiwan, the Russo-Ukrainian War will prove to be the first phase of this Sino-US War. The defense of Taiwan tomorrow is intrinsically linked to the defense of Ukraine today. If the United States hopes to secure Taiwan—either through deterrence or through victory in a future fight—the United States must first ensure that Ukraine maintains its sovereignty despite the Russian invasion.
Two threats, one dilemma
Ukraine is in an existential fight with Russia, resisting a murderous invasion through the resolve, courage, and endurance of the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian resistance is all the more impressive considering Russia’s significant advantages in resources and manpower, and the brutal disregard for human lifethat it transforms into tactical gains on the battlefield. Given this disparity in military advantage, sustaining Ukrainian resistance requires external support from a coalition of partners providing security assistance in the form of weapons, munitions, and materiel. The United States is, and remains, one of the key membersof the coalition that supplies Ukraine.
Voice of Ukraine 