“You can’t break down Ukrainian spirit”: former US ambassador to NATO names three tips to boost Ukraine’s victory

On September 7, former US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker met with journalists at American University and spoke on Ukraine's post-war future.

First, Volker mentioned the level of Ukraine support. He stressed that Western allies should understand they cannot break down the Ukrainian spirit. 

"This is what the Russians cannot understand," he said.

Volker believes convincing Russian forces to stop the war will be knotty. By mentioning Antony Blinken's visit to Kyiv in early September 2023, he explained the core purpose of such meetings. As the White House needs to demonstrate the interim achievements of the US support to its allies, it hosts numerous visits to advocate aid boost for Ukraine.

These meetings build up foreign audiences' confidence that taxpayer funds are being used for their intended purpose. Soon, the US Congress will vote on the next aid package for Kyiv requested by the White House Administration, worth $13 billion in security assistance. Kurt Volker noted that it would be much better for the administration to request a larger aid batch at once so that the vote could take place before the presidential primaries in 2024.

The former ambassador also advised the US to speak on its assistance better. The government should mention how it provides security assistance not in financial form but in equipment and machinery so the risk of corruption remains minimal.

Second, regarding Ukraine's counteroffensive, Kurt Volker has no doubts that Ukraine will win this war. Ukraine is a great and successful country with irrevocable challenges to be faced. The state's future depends on its economy, technology, education, and ties with the world community. There is no reason to doubt that investing in Ukraine is the right choice. Volker said the world should not expect an immediate counteroffensive in the long-occupied regions. Ukraine's victory will mean reaching a point where Russia cannot prolong the war.

Third, as for holding Ukraine's presidential elections during martial law, Kyiv should talk through the impossibility of holding elections due to security. Volker said this, responding to Senator Lindsey Graham's quote about the need to hold elections in Ukraine.

"If you convey the importance of the defense of democracy in Ukraine and around the world, realize how difficult it is for a Western audience that does not fully understand the full-scale war to relate why elections should not be held."

Author: Vladyslav Faraponov, head of the Board of the "Institute of American Studies" for "Rubryka"