How to Help Ukraine Win Its War Against Russian Invasion

The war in Ukraine has become a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression. Despite Russia’s repeated atrocities, Western leaders continue to delay providing adequate military aid. President Zelensky’s warning that Ukraine is facing an air defense crisis should galvanize NATO policymakers into action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

Statistics show that in July, Russia launched a record number of missiles and drones at Ukrainian territory, including 198 deadly ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Meanwhile, Ukraine has received only one-third as many interceptors this year as it did in the same period in 2022, leaving its defenses perilously weak. The Patriot batteries, which are the only system capable of reliably stopping ballistic missiles, are running low on interceptors, while Ukraine’s small F-16 fleet is being forced to burn through flying hours intercepting cheap Shahed drones.

Russia’s adaptation of its missile arsenal has put Ukraine’s civilian population at grave risk. The country’s energy infrastructure is being targeted, and hospitals, railroads, schools, and commercial businesses are all in the crosshairs. This is not just a matter of military strategy; it’s also a question of human decency.

The Ukrainian defense minister’s specific ask – ten additional Patriot systems, missiles for Patriot and other types of systems, as well as $6 billion for drone production – should be a wake-up call to Western leaders. It’s time for them to stop delaying and act with the urgency that this situation demands. The U.S. must immediately prioritize interceptor deliveries and accelerate Patriot missile production lines specifically for Ukraine.

The Forgotten Promise of Patriot Production

President Trump promised to license Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot missile system and interceptors, but later backed out of this commitment. Now is the time for Washington to keep its word and allow Ukraine to build interceptors domestically, rather than relying entirely on shipments from abroad.

The F-16 Conundrum

The U.S. has more than 800 F-16s in its inventory, yet it’s been slow to respond to Ukraine’s plea for additional aircraft. Sending 50 or more F-16s to Ukraine should be a no-brainer, especially considering the limited time frame before Russia launches its winter air offensive. NATO must also transfer 30 or more of these aircraft from its current stockpiles.

Europe Must Step Up

European countries like Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany have significant stocks of missile systems that they should transfer to Ukraine. Predictable funding is just as crucial – Ukraine’s leadership has repeatedly emphasized how unpredictable delivery schedules can be just as damaging as shortages. The $70 billion partner package Kyiv requested for 2026 must be funded with urgency.

What This Means for the West

The consequences of inaction will be dire: a declining interceptor supply combined with rising Russian strikes will severely strain Ukraine’s civilian population this winter. Effective action is required now, and it’s not just about humanitarian concerns – Ukraine’s defense is ultimately our defense. The West must understand that its collective security is tied to Ukraine’s fate.

As the winter months approach, the world watches with bated breath as the people of Ukraine struggle to survive amidst the ruins of war. Will Western leaders finally act on their promises and provide the air defense systems Ukraine so desperately needs? Or will we continue to witness a disaster unfolding before our eyes, one that could have been prevented with timely intervention? The clock is ticking – it’s time for action.