Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, as well as other Ukrainian territories in 2022, and the conflict has now grown into the largest European war since World War II. Russia attacks civilian targets almost daily, and half of the apartment buildings in Kyiv are without heat amid 18-degree temperatures (“Ukrainian drone attack in Russia kills 1 following Moscow’s intense bombardment,” Jan. 11). There have been numerous efforts by all parties to resolve the conflict or at least achieve a cease-fire, but the situation is currently in a stalemate over one fundamental issue. Russia is determined to continue its attacks until they gain control over additional territory, despite losing over 20,000 troops per month, and Ukraine is unwilling to make any territorial concessions.
The situation is reminiscent of the 1930s run-up to World War II, when Germany attacked military and civilian targets in order to seize control over neighboring territories. Some countries appeased the German aggressors in hopes of ending the conflict, and the British prime minister infamously declared he had achieved “peace in our time” after signing a treaty with Germany in 1938, only to see them go back on the warpath within six months.
Our Founding Fathers were aware of the devastating impact of war and knew it should only be considered in the presence of existential threats. Unfortunately, Russia’s behavior in Ukraine over the past 10 years suggests that appeasement will not be any more effective now than it was almost a century ago, and stronger measures against Russia will likely be required sooner or later. The Greatest Generation defeated Germany and its allies in World War II and kept the torch of freedom burning for us, and the time has come for us to do the same for those who will follow. The U.S., NATO and Ukraine should form a freedom coalition with a mission to do whatever is required to expel all Russian military assets from Crimea and the rest of Ukraine by the end of 2026.
— Sandy Harlow, Timonium
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