Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is in its second year. The human toll and destruction in Ukraine have been considerable; the regional instability substantial. The outcome of the war is not a foregone conclusion. It depends on whether international partners extend the necessary military, political, and economic support for Ukraine to win the war and secure a sustainable peace.
Ukraine has demonstrated that, with weapons and ammunition from Western partners, it is able to win the war against Russia. This means pushing out Russian forces from Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol. But winning the war is not enough. Beyond this immediate aim, securing a sustainable peace will bring stability and security for Ukraine and Europe in the long run. To ensure a sustainable peace, Ukraine must have robust security guarantees and defensive capabilities, firmly anchored in Ukraine’s accelerated path towards membership of NATO.
Ukraine’s international partners must step up their support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction even now as the fighting continues. Rebuilding Ukraine is intimately linked to progress on reforms, notably fighting corruption, ensuring an independent judiciary, and strengthening the rule of law, as Ukraine moves towards EU membership. This transformation will also entrench Ukraine’s democratic foundation.