NEW YORK, NY Feb 28 (DPI) – Five days into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the outcome still far from certain, the Free World has been getting a powerful lesson in what it takes to preserve liberty. The 41 million people and leadership of Ukraine are so far holding off Vladimir Putin’s army, and millions worldwide are posting their support.
And much of the online commentary centers on one subject: The personal courage of the citizens of Ukraine.
The most popular comments attached to a NYTimes.com column by Michelle Goldberg titled “Why Ukrainians Believe They Can Win.”
I am deeply moved by the bravery of both the Ukrainian leadership and people. This is what standing up for freedom looks like. It is awe inspiring to see average citizens arming themselves with whatever they can to defend themselves against a much larger and well equipped military power. It appears liberal democracy is not going to capitulate to the growing authoritarianism worldwide. Resist.
Could the global recession of democracy end here? Could authoritarianism begin to shrivel again? I think the magnitude of support Ukraine is receiving could mark that turning point. Not to mention the tremendous spirit of the Ukrainian people, the passion for freedom that Michelle elucidates here. As Kori Schake says, “What Ukrainians have done is inspire Americans and others to shake ourselves out of our torpor and create policies of assistance to them, in the hopes that we might one day prove worthy of becoming their ally.” Yes, the heaviest hammer of the Russian military has yet to fall. But their weak start has bought a few extra precious days for fighters and materiel from Ukraine’s (and democracy’s) allies to arrive. Help is on the way.
When people in the West think of Russia’s military and will to fight, they think of the huge war effort and massive sacrifices in WWII. But that wasn’t just Russia. It was the Soviet Union, and Ukrainians were equally part of the Soviet will and ability to fight in WWII. They are a very hard people, and not easily defeated, the equal of Russians. And the days ahead will tell us if they are the better.
The resolute determination Ukraine and Ukrainians are showing right now suggest an ultimately successful Resistance in the making. Russia may win every battle in this contest, but I think Ukraine, with the world’s backing, will still win the war.
The overwhelming desire for liberty displayed by the Ukrainian people inspires the world. The unity of spirit combined with bravery bodes well for their cause. They shall surely suffer in the coming days and months. Our hearts will be broken by the images and stories of destruction and death. The least we Americans can do is set aside our partisan differences and commit to helping the people of Ukraine not just now, at their moment of greatest need, but in the years and decades ahead when they will need to rebuild and restore life to their land.