I was just in Kyiv under fire. I saw why Ukraine can win.
Washington Post Opinion
23-05-22 12:51
Ukrainians are determined to continue to fight against Russian aggression, with the belief that they can prevail against heavy odds. After spending time in Kyiv with a delegation from the Renew Democracy Initiative, a pro-democracy group founded by former chess champion Garry Kasparov, the writer concluded that the Ukrainians’ determination is laudable and sensible. Despite being a city affected by constant Russian air attacks, Kyiv does not feel like a city under siege with its traffic jams and crowded bars and restaurants reminiscent of a bustling, vibrant metropolis. While there have been continuous Russian attempts to destroy electrical and heating infrastructure to create unlivable Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian resistance persists, with Russian attacks only making Ukrainians more determined to resist their onslaught. The United States and its allies should provide the necessary equipment, such as F-16s and longer-range missiles to enable Ukrainian battlefield success, rather than allowing for premature negotiations that might prolong, rather than end, the conflict.