US warned of confrontation between Russia and NATO if it lets Putin win in Ukraine
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has warned that the United States could pay a “much higher cost” than most people imagine if they allow Russia to win in Ukraine.
The non-profit organisation issued a lengthy assessment of what a victory for Vladimir Putin’s forces could mean for US, and the West at large.
Its analysis omes as Washington remains at an impasse over continuing to fund Kyiv’s defence of its territory, with Democrats and Republicans at loggerheads over the issue.
The ISW said that if Russia was allowed to win, it would result in the US having to deploy “a sizable portion of its ground forces” and “a large number of stealth aircraft” to Eastern Europe.
The institute argues that this decision would likely lead to Washington having to make a “terrible choice” between defending its NATO allies in Europe and protecting Taiwan from Chinese aggression in the Pacific.
“The entire undertaking will cost a fortune, and the cost will last as long as the Russian threat continues—potentially indefinitely,” the ISW says.
It adds: “Helping Ukraine keep the lines where they are through continuous Western military support is far more advantageous and cheaper for the United States than allowing Ukraine to lose.
“‘Freezing’ the conflict is worse than continuing to help Ukraine fight—that would simply give Russia time and space to prepare for a renewed war to conquer Ukraine and confront NATO.
“Helping Ukraine regain control of all or most of its territory would be much more advantageous, as it would drive Russian forces even further to the east.
“Best of all, supporting Ukraine to its victory and then helping it rebuild would put the largest and most combat-effective friendly military on the European continent at the forefront of the defence of NATO, whether Ukraine does or does not ultimately join the alliance.”
