As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office with intentions to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Biden administration officials caution against actions that could strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an opinion piece published in The New York Times, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin argue that a “premature cease-fire” would allow Russia to regroup and threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Austin and Blinken claim that their administration’s three years of support for Ukraine have created leverage for a pro-Ukraine peace deal. Through military aid, sanctions, and diplomacy, they assert that the Biden administration has weakened Russia’s economy and military capacity, enabling Ukraine to resist Putin’s aggression.
The officials warn Trump not to cut funding or arms to Ukraine, as they believe such moves would embolden Russia. Instead, they advocate for sustained American and allied support. “This leverage should be used to end Mr. Putin’s war and usher in a durable peace,” the secretaries wrote. They argue that reducing aid would result in “peace through surrender,” leaving Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian attacks.
The column highlights Russia’s strategic failures, including its inability to replace Ukraine’s democratically elected government with a pro-Kremlin regime. Blinken and Austin credit American leadership and international coordination for these outcomes, noting that allies have contributed significantly to Ukraine’s defense. They emphasize that NATO, once targeted by Putin, has grown stronger and more united since the war began.
The secretaries also highlight the economic and industrial benefits of supporting Ukraine. They point to increased investments in defense industries and job creation as positive outcomes of the aid packages.
Russia has reportedly suffered over 700,000 casualties since the war’s onset in February 2022. Austin and Blinken argue that Putin now faces a choice between continued losses and serious negotiations to end the conflict. They urge the incoming Trump administration to build on these achievements rather than risk undermining them with hasty decisions.
