On February 24, 2022, Russia’s President Putin ordered 200,000 soldiers into neighboring Ukraine in the largest European invasion since WWII.
The two countries have a complicated history. Ukraine became fully independent when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 and later lost control of the Crimean Peninsula—a historically contested territory in southern Ukraine–to a Russian invasion in 2014. After that, Ukraine increasingly sought NATO membership (a military alliance that includes the U.S., Canada, and many European nations), angering Russia.
In early 2022, Russia quickly captured land and closed in on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, but nine months into the war, Ukraine had repelled the attack on Kyiv and recaptured some land. There have been only modest changes to battle lines in the last twenty months. Death tolls vary widely, though most sources agree it’s in the hundreds of thousands.
Changing Military Control of Ukraine (Map)
Source: Institute for the Study of War via BBC
In the United States, there continues to be widespread condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but much less unity over what role (if any) Uncle Sam should have in financing Ukraine’s resistance.
So far, Congress has passed five bills appropriating $174.8 billion of aid in response to the war in Ukraine. The majority ($117.4 billion) is for weapons, equipment, and other military aid, while the rest ($57.4 billion) is for economic and humanitarian aid.
Both Sides
Democrats generally believe the U.S. should financially support Ukraine’s effort to regain lost territory, even if that means a prolonged (and expensive) conflict. Many feel America has a moral obligation to support Ukraine’s defense against the larger, authoritarian Russian force.
The Republican party is split. A majority believe the government is overspending on the war in Ukraine and should instead prioritize issues in the U.S. (like the southern border and economy). A minority favor supporting the war because they believe the U.S. is safest when it has a strong presence abroad.
Candidate Stances
Vice President Harris believes the U.S. should continue to support Ukraine financially. She has been a vocal critic of Russian President Putin over the war and the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. She met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in June 2024, announcing $1.5 billion in fresh humanitarian aid.
Former President Trump considers the amount of U.S. support for Ukraine excessive. He pledged to cut support to Ukraine and end the war “within 24 hours” if reelected and has criticized European countries for not spending more to defend Ukraine.
Eternal Perspectives
War is a heavy burden that impresses upon us our world’s need for restoration. Jesus came to bear that burden of sin, lighten our load, and restore our world. Pray that those burdened by war would experience restoration and glorify Jesus.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB)
This is part of our Election Collection articles series, created to help Christians grow in understanding and compassion on key issues surrounding the 2024 presidential election.
Last Updated: July 30, 2024
