While no one would argue that the storm had been brewing for some time, Russian President Vladimir Putin still shocked the world when he invaded #Ukraine on February 24, 2022. As the war continues, the United States now has a decision to make: whether to maintain/increase or decrease funding support for Ukraine.

Increasing the level of support going to Ukraine from the U.S. has been encouraged by some because of the high risk of violent spillover onto NATO Allies. If Ukraine doesn’t have the supplies it needs to end the war decisively (or at least secure a beneficial compromise), the economic blowback on American families could be severe. Also, not providing the aid that Ukraine needs right now can also be perceived as passively contributing to the loss of sovereignty and security in the country (Ukraine) by the U.S. Not giving Ukraine the help they need at this crucial point would undermine the freedom and democracy that the U.S. is supposed to represent.

On the other hand, the first President of the United States, George Washington advocated an isolationist policy, which some would argue applies to the current Russia-Ukraine war. While sending financial support to a struggling nation might seem a logical thing to do, the fact is that the Russia-Ukraine war is complex. One factor is that Russia is a nuclear superpower, and the U.S. increasing support to Ukraine at this point could possibly be the final precursor to a global nuclear war. Another argument that the U.S. may be better off not extending more support to Ukraine is that it’s actually the place of Europe’s NATO members to do so first. Finally, should the U.S. throw its weight behind Ukraine even more than it already has, that could close the window to a negotiated settlement.

With tensions so high the question remains, should the U.S. maintain/increase or decrease funding support to Ukraine with the Russia-Ukraine war?