Ukrainians Deserve Independence Too

Today, as Americans celebrate the birth of our democracy, we must confront an act of cruel irony: President Trump has suspended the transfer of a shipment of weapons to Ukraine, an allied democracy fighting for its survival and independence.

Let’s be clear. This isn’t just another bad policy decision. It’s a betrayal of our most sacred values.

In 1776, we declared that liberty and self-determination were inalienable rights worth fighting for. Ukraine is doing just that - fighting and dying to remain free in the face of Russian imperialism. By cutting off these weapons systems (Patriot missile defense systems and munitions), Trump is aiming to pressure Ukraine into capitulation so that he can restore American-Russian relations. Trump has placed zero pressure on the invader - Russia - and all the pressure on the victim - Ukraine.

This strategy reveals a worldview in which America retreats from its role as a beacon of democracy and instead cozies up to authoritarian bullies. Just days removed from a successful multilateral summit with NATO, where our allies committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defense, Trump responded to that positive move by shifting direction towards Putin and now putting our NATO allies at greater risk by weakening Ukraine.

This is not the way to treat allies.

And remember, Ukraine has accepted Trump’s demands for a ceasefire while Putin has not. It’s time for the U.S. to put pressure on Russia. Suspending weapons transfers to Ukraine does the opposite.

So happy July 4th to us all. And on this sacred day, let’s make sure that we’re thinking about more than just the fireworks in the sky. Let’s also remember why we truly celebrate: because we cherish our independence and understand how valuable sovereignty is to our way of life.

It’s time to live up to our founding promise and to show that the freedom of our allies is worth defending everywhere.

The Briefing Book is fully reader-funded, which means that we depend on supporters like you. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber. We have many more exciting activities in the pipeline and through your support, will be able to make them happen.