Roger Soldano: Ukraine military assistance: The case for continued support

In 2022, as a retired military veteran, I watched with growing unease as Russia menacingly advanced its tanks toward Kyiv. A Russian victory, it was evident, would ripple through the international order, threatening stability.

Some speculate that Russia might immediately target other former Soviet nations if successful in Ukraine. However, given NATO's Article 5 protection (an attack on one member is an attack on all), it's plausible the Kremlin would opt for a softer approach, leveraging non-military tactics. This seems a more plausible strategic move considering NATO's strength and the toll the Ukrainian conflict has taken on Russian forces.

Ukraine's significance transcends its geographical boundaries. Not only does it act as a potential buffer against Russia's adversaries, but its agricultural might also brand it as the world's "breadbasket." Coupled with its vital infrastructure for transporting Russian oil and gas to Europe and its vast, untapped mineral riches, Ukraine's assets are eyed keenly by Russia.

To appreciate the broader implications, one must zoom out to the global stage. The world's population has surged from 3 billion in 1960 to 8 billion today. While this growth signifies human triumphs, it casts a shadow of critical concern: Amidst the threats of climate change, how do we ensure consistent food supplies for this expansive global populace?

The looming specter of climate change is not a distant threat. Dwindling crop yields due to recurrent droughts in key agricultural zones underscore this reality. As climate change continues to challenge our agricultural capacities, fertile regions like Ukraine rise in significance. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for over 25% of the world's grain exports. This control over such a substantial portion of the grain market becomes an immensely influential geopolitical lever, especially as the world grapples with the unfolding ramifications of a warming planet.

Picture Russia orchestrating the flow of essential grains like a conductor leading a grand symphony, where Ukraine's vast fields play a central role. The Kremlin could influence global food prices in such a scenario, steering nations according to its whims.

But the stakes aren't limited to grain. Ukraine is a pivotal route for Russian natural gas exports to Europe. Russia can dictate terms by controlling Ukraine's energy infrastructure leveraging energy for political gains.

It's time for reflection: Are Americans prepared to see a single autocratic leader hold sway over vital global commodities? With rising food prices, the implications of Russia controlling a significant portion of the world's grain are dire. Imagine the potential geopolitical threats: "Support sanctions and face a grain embargo" or "oppose us and endure a frigid winter without gas."

Upon examining the figures, the $78 billion aid the U.S. provided Ukraine, while significant at first glance, constitutes only 9% of our yearly defense expenditure. It's crucial to perceive this not merely as assistance but as a strategic investment. Recent analyses indicate that military aid from the U.S. and other nations has neutralized half of Russia’s military capabilities. Remarkably, this has been achieved without any casualties or injuries among U.S. troops.

In this context, calls for the U.S. to adopt isolationist policies or withdraw military support from Ukraine are not just misguided — they're dangerous. Such decisions could reverberate globally, leading to fractured alliances and a volatile geopolitical landscape.

As this geopolitical drama plays out, the stakes are more than just territorial. They concern the destiny of nations and the sustenance of the world. With Russia's intentions clear, the world awaits, anxious about the future of a cooperative global community.

By supporting Ukraine, we're ensuring its territorial integrity and ability to function as a crucial hub for energy and food supplies in the world’s landscape. With Ukraine's rich agricultural lands and vital energy transit routes, its stability directly affects global food and energy markets.

Russia has shown its willingness to manipulate energy supplies for geopolitical gains. If they secure Ukraine's fertile regions, there's little doubt they'll wield this "soft power" to further their ambitions of reviving a Soviet-esque domain.

As this chapter in global history unfolds, yielding to Russia's advances could mark one of our era's most detrimental strategic miscalculations. We must avoid extreme or short-sighted political viewpoints, which could jeopardize world stability. Drawing parallels to the dilemmas Churchill once grappled with, our generation bears the heavy responsibility to stand unwaveringly resolute. Any political figure who falters in confronting this paramount threat must be recognized as exacerbating the issue rather than offering a solution.

— Roger Soldano is a retired Army National Guard Colonel. He resides in Charlevoix and can be contacted at skybox53@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Roger Soldano: Ukraine military assistance: The case for continued support