Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine poses a clear existential threat to Ukraine’s state sovereignty and the U.S.-led international order. Russia’s war has challenged the accepted post-World War II order that has helped to shape international security, diplomatic norms, and the humanitarian environment. A subsequent Russian victory would legitimize its territorial aggression, directly challenge the European security architecture, and undermine existing international norms. Thus far, the United States and its core allies have responded quickly toRussian aggression, providing Ukraine with materiel support and intelligence, imposing sanctions and export controls on Russia, and introducing a series of UN resolutions to condemn the Kremlin’s behavior and isolate Russia. However, current and previous U.S. policy has not stopped Russia from attempting its retrograde ambitions. This paper provides recommendations that aim to restore Ukraine’s state sovereignty, guarantee that NATO and Ukraine can deter Russian aggression, and that the U.S. and its allies can respond to future actions by revisionist leaders that challenge the accepted international norms.
To achieve the aforementioned goals, the United States should adjust its current policy approach to focus on three main pillars: defense, diplomacy, and development. First, under the defense pillar, this paper recommends that the United States should focus on redesigning theEuropean security architecture, deterring Russia’s use of nuclear weapons, and mitigating the flow of disinformation. The policies outlined in the defense pillar will help set conditions for Ukrainian success on the battlefield. However, equally important, is creating the international landscape for Ukrainian success both during the kinetic fighting and, eventually, at the negotiating table. As such, under the diplomacy pillar, this paper recommends that the United States focus on reforming the North Atlantic Treaty, addressing China in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and building coalitions to more effectively isolate Russia. Finally, the United States needs to ensure immediate aid to secure the strongest possible military and diplomatic position for Ukraine to engage in future negotiations. Under the development pillar, this paper provides recommendations on the return of refugees and internally displaced people to a secure Ukraine, while seeking to ensure that all of their basic needs are met.