The Ukrainian army is one of the best guarantors we have against future Russian aggression.
In Ukraine, the summer months have often delivered unexpected developments. Few could have predicted that by the end of August 2022, Ukrainian forces would launch an offensive that would successfully push Russian troops out of Kherson in the south. Shortly after, they also struck in the northeast near Kharkiv, regaining much of the territory the Russians had initially captured. Fast forward to June 2023, and the Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a brief revolt that shook President Vladimir Putin’s regime. Then, just two weeks ago, Ukrainian tanks moved into Kursk oblast, occupying an area roughly one-third the size of Cambridgeshire.
The motivations behind this latest offensive are clear and multifaceted. First, President Volodymyr Zelensky aimed to secure enough territory to exchange for Ukrainian lands in the south and southeast during future peace negotiations. Second, the objective was to create a buffer zone that could protect Ukrainian civilians from further incursions by Russian forces. Third, this maneuver sought to draw some of Russia’s military attention away from its slow advance in the Donbas region. Fourth, the attack served as a way to test Russia’s much-hyped “red lines” and see how far it could push its territorial gains. Finally, the offensive was intended to shift the stagnant narrative of the conflict, which had settled into a war of attrition that Ukraine was struggling to win.
Empowering Ukraine to continue defending itself is not just about supporting one country in its struggle but about bolstering the broader security of the region. Ukraine’s military, already proving itself to be a resilient and capable force, is one of the strongest deterrents against further Russian aggression. If the West wants to prevent future invasions and maintain a stable European order, ensuring Ukraine has the means to repel Russia is essential. Without a strong Ukrainian defense, the geopolitical landscape risks further destabilization.