Dear Editor:
For Ukrainian Americans, it’s no exaggeration to say that these are remarkable times. Our ancestral homeland finds itself at the center of U.S. domestic politics in a crisis involving the highest levels of our government. Regardless of our views about these developments, it’s reasonable to be concerned about the impact this crisis will have on America’s longstanding bipartisan support for Ukraine. Therefore, we must speak out to prevent a reduction in this vital assistance.
An aid reduction would be indescribably catastrophic for Ukraine and, I hope to make clear, for the United States as well. Although we Ukrainian Americans are used to advocating for Ukraine, it’s unusual to hear non-Ukrainians doing this. That’s why the remarks of the American diplomats who recently testified before the congressional Intelligence Committee were so moving and inspiring. These outstanding U.S. Foreign Service officers described Ukraine as a beacon to other nations seeking a path to an open, democratic society. This is an objective for Ukraine that the United States has long supported as a matter of principle and as a pillar of its own security against Russian aggression. To illustrate, allow me to quote some of their eloquent comments, excerpted from their opening statements.
On November 13, William Taylor, the current top U.S. diplomat in Kyiv, said: Ukraine’s story is “a positive, bipartisan one… this (story) is about young people in a young nation, struggling to break free of its past, hopeful that this new government will finally usher in a new Ukraine, proud of its independence from Russia, eager to join Western institutions and enjoy a more secure and prosperous life. This story describes a nation developing an inclusive, democratic nationalism, not unlike what we (enjoy) in America”.
On November 15, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch said: “Supporting Ukraine is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing to do. Ukrainians wanted the law to apply equally to all persons… It was a question of dignity.”
Finally, on November 21, David Holmes, political consultant at the United States Embassy in Kyiv said: “This year’s revolution at the ballot box underscores that despite its imperfections, Ukraine is a genuine and vibrant democracy and an example to other post-Soviet countries and beyond – from Moscow to Hong Kong.” He went on to say that, “at a time of shifting allegiances and rising competitors in the world, we have no better friend than Ukraine – a scrappy, unbowed, determined and, above all, dignified people who are standing up to Russian authoritarianism and aggression.”
These powerful expressions of support from American diplomats are immensely gratifying. However, to ensure ongoing U.S. government support, it’s essential that we regularly and emphatically state our concerns to our congressional representatives, Republican and Democratic, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. As invested as our Ukrainian American community is in Ukraine’s further development and very survival, our efforts will be immeasurably magnified if we can ensure the continuing commitment of our government to this critical mission.
Andriy Ripecky
Chicago