The West’s Inaction Is Putin’s Greatest Weapon

 

The time for diplomacy has passed—Ukraine should be given the weapons to strike at Russia's heart, because peace will only come when Putin's war machine is dismantled. Hence, if the West fails to give Ukraine the tools to win, it will not just be Ukraine that falls—this war is a battleground for the survival of democracy across the globe.

When it comes to the Ukraine-Russia war, it seems like Donald Trump is playing hide-and-speak. In a recent debate with Kamala Harris, he was asked a straightforward question: would he support Ukraine to win the war? His answer? Well, it wasn’t quite an answer. Trump’s vague response has left many people questioning whether he is willing to throw Ukraine under the bus for the benefit of his long-time buddy, Vladimir Putin.

We know Trump and Putin have a history that goes beyond just formal diplomatic relations. Back in 2018, Trump stood next to Putin at a Helsinki summit, where he sided with the Russian president over U.S. intelligence agencies regarding election interference. This moment raised eyebrows back then and still does today. It's not far-fetched to think that Trump, if given the chance again, might favor Russia’s interests over Ukraine’s. His refusal to commit to aiding Ukraine with military support could indicate that he sees this war as a negotiation chip to appease Putin rather than an issue of international justice.

But here's the catch: the time for ambiguity has passed. The West cannot afford to sit back while Ukraine fights for its survival. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been clear and direct in his calls for help. He has asked for long-range missiles, air defense systems, and more weapons. These aren’t just wish lists; they are critical to Ukraine’s ability to fend off Russian aggression and reclaim its sovereignty.

Long-range missiles would be a game changer. Imagine Ukraine being able to strike military targets deep inside Russia. These strikes could cripple the infrastructure that supports Russian forces, forcing Putin to rethink his strategy. Why hasn’t this already been done? Some argue that giving Ukraine such capabilities could escalate the war, but in reality, it’s the exact opposite. It’s the lack of these weapons that allows Putin to feel comfortable continuing his aggressive campaign.

History has shown us time and again that wars don’t end because aggressors voluntarily back down. They end when the cost of continuing the conflict becomes too great. Take World War II, for example. The Allies didn’t win by making compromises with Hitler; they won by defeating him on the battlefield. The same must be done with Putin. His military depots, supply lines, and communication networks need to be targeted and destroyed. If Ukraine had the necessary long-range missiles, they could strike deep into Russian-held territories and disrupt their entire war strategy.

But weapons alone aren’t enough. Ukraine also needs a sophisticated air defense system to protect its infrastructure from Russian missile attacks. One of the reasons Putin continues to launch missiles at Ukrainian cities is that he knows Ukraine’s air defense capabilities are stretched thin. The ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure—power plants, water supplies, and hospitals—are meant to weaken Ukraine’s resolve by breaking its people. Zelensky knows that without proper air defenses, his people remain vulnerable to these brutal strikes.

Moreover, Ukraine cannot continue relying solely on foreign support for weapons. It needs to start producing its own. This is not an unrealistic goal. Israel, for example, has developed a world-class defense industry despite being surrounded by hostile neighbors. Ukraine, with its strong technological base, could do the same. By producing its own weapons, Ukraine would not only become more self-sufficient, but it would also send a strong message to Russia that this war isn’t going to end in their favor.

Another essential part of Ukraine’s strategy should be the formation of a top-secret special force whose sole duty is to uncover and destroy Russian weapon depots wherever they may be. These depots, scattered across Russia and occupied territories, are the backbone of Putin’s war machine. Nelson Mandela’s famous words, “It always seems impossible until it is done,” ring true here. This force, if created, could systematically dismantle Russia’s military infrastructure. Putin, like any dictator, relies on fear and control. If his soldiers and generals know their supply lines are being targeted by an elite Ukrainian force, their confidence in victory will wane.

There’s no denying that Putin’s ambitions for a “greater Russia” include Ukraine. He has shown no sign of backing down, and unless stopped, his aggression won’t just end at Ukraine’s borders. The West, particularly the United States, must act with greater urgency. Sitting on the sidelines while Ukraine pleads for support only emboldens Russia. The argument that providing Ukraine with more advanced weaponry will escalate the conflict is flawed. What escalates the conflict is allowing Russia to continue its invasion without facing the full force of Ukraine’s military potential.

For all the talk of diplomacy and negotiations, let’s not forget that Putin has violated every agreement he’s ever signed. The Minsk agreements, aimed at halting the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, were nothing more than a stall tactic for Russia to build up its military presence. Diplomacy works when both sides are willing to honor their commitments. Putin, however, has shown that he operates by a different set of rules—rules where might makes right, and treaties are only pieces of paper.

Let’s also be clear about what’s at stake here. This isn’t just a regional conflict between two countries. It’s a battle for the future of democracy versus authoritarianism. Ukraine is fighting for the right to exist as an independent nation, free from Russian control. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, it will embolden other authoritarian regimes around the world. Countries like China, watching the conflict closely, may feel empowered to take similar actions in places like Taiwan.

Donald Trump’s reluctance to fully commit to supporting Ukraine raises an uncomfortable question: How much influence does Putin still have over him? Is Trump’s desire to “make a deal” with Russia more important than standing up for democracy? The truth is, Trump’s cozy relationship with Putin has always been a cause for concern. When asked about Ukraine, his failure to give a straightforward answer may have revealed more than he intended. It’s a signal that, given the chance, he might just hand Ukraine over to Putin on a silver platter.

As we stand on the brink of what could be a turning point in the war, the West must not waver. Zelensky needs more weapons, more support, and more solidarity from countries that claim to defend democracy. Without these resources, Ukraine’s chances of defeating Russia are slim. The only way to ensure Putin’s defeat is to give Ukraine the tools it needs to win.

Of course, if Trump were to get his way, we might as well roll out the red carpet for Putin’s victory parade. But then again, why bother with carpets when you can just use Ukraine’s crushed hopes as the path?