In Support of Peace
Earlier today came news that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke alone for about 10 minutes while attending a G-20 gathering in New Delhi. Blinken later said he urged his counterpart that Russia end its war on Ukraine, engage in diplomacy, and reverse its decision to cease participation in the START nuclear treaty.
This follows by only days, separate visits to Ukraine by Democratic President Joe Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen who both pledged Washington’s continuing support for the country. Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine a year ago, U.S. military, economic and humanitarian aid has totaled nearly $50 billion. Yellen announced yet another multibillion-dollar pledge.
Then, there’s the GOP. Donald Trump sought to make hay in a visit to the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment, by calling out Biden for providing more attention and relief to Ukraine than those impacted in Ohio. Aspiring Republican presidential nominee Ron DeSantis took to the airwaves to attack Biden for paying more attention to border security in Ukraine than in America. What’s more, Congressional Republicans are the new hawks when it comes to spending for military foreign policy initiatives.
To be sure, one year on, the sentiment is changing with regard to support for Ukraine, among American lawmakers and even among citizens. As an announced candidate for the American Solidarity Party’s presidential nomination, I’ve been asked privately by several ASP members my position on the war. So, allow me to share it openly.
I support the Ukrainians and consider the Russian government to be the clear aggressor. I long for a diplomatic solution but continue to support economic sanctions on Russia and U.S. aid – humanitarian and military – for Ukraine. American support is key to enabling the Ukrainian government to be able to negotiate peace but our support must remain focused on achieving that peace. While the country has been plagued by political corruption, I cannot abandon the Ukrainian people to be overrun without legitimate defense.
That said, there are exceptions to everything. While America is prudent not to allow Russia to go unchecked in its hostility, prudence also warrants that it not become a dominant factor in the war, or an open checkbook. I am adamant that unless America is attacked or becomes a party to a short-term U.N. peacekeeping force, it must not commit its armed forces to participation. It must, along with other nations, bring pressure to bear on both countries to broker cease fire and negotiate peace. In seeking this peace, I oppose the provision to Ukraine of certain weapons which serve to escalate the war and increase its death toll.
There are many factors, political and religious, that feed this conflict. There is little hope of peace without concession. Russia may have to accede to restoring damaged infrastructure, while Ukraine may have to forfeit some territory, notably Crimea, to bring an end to the fighting.
The ASP stands firmly for world peace. I strongly uphold not only that position but advocate efforts at increased international diplomacy, with deference for nations and peoples that are apt to be exploited. The United States must be in the vanguard for sustained global concord and, when that is achieved, become a leader in non-proliferation.
Today, however, America and nations of good will must take efforts to see that lives and livelihoods are preserved in Ukraine. As ASP members we must be active in calling for, and praying for, peaceful settlement.