In a recent episode of The David Frum Show, David Frum underscored the dire implications of the changing U.S. support for Ukraine under President Donald Trump. Frum cautioned that America’s commitment to Ukraine is weakening, which could jeopardize the global security framework that has protected Americans for generations.
He emphasized that Ukraine’s fate may hinge on the outcomes of the upcoming 2024 election and the actions of Trump, who appears to advocate for a hostile stance toward Ukraine.
Joining Frum on the show was Bridget Brink, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, who shared her experiences during this tumultuous period. Brink, who served under both President Biden and Trump, discussed the critical stakes surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.
Brink’s tenure as ambassador commenced amid the war’s escalation in February 2022, a point highlighted by Frum. He elaborated on the long-standing conflict, which began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, culminating in a full assault on Kyiv in 2022. Brink affirmed that the war represents not merely a dispute over territory but a struggle for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Frum pointed out that President Vladimir Putin’s denial of Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent nation illustrates the broader context of the conflict. He described the Russian leader’s view of Ukraine as an intrinsic part of Russia, devoid of its own identity.
The conversation shifted to the U.S. response to the war, with Frum suggesting that Biden’s administration has fallen short in its support for Ukraine. He criticized the perceived lack of urgency in delivering aid, arguing that various military assistance has often arrived too late and in insufficient quantities.
Brink echoed Frum’s concerns, noting that while the Biden administration did provide assistance, it often lacked timeliness and adequacy. She presented an alarming picture of the continued challenges facing Ukraine, asserting that without significant support, its survival is at risk.
Frum illustrated the gravity of the situation by discussing the potential ramifications of a Trump presidency on U.S.-Ukraine relations, suggesting that Trump may advocate for a negotiated settlement that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Brink shared her firsthand experiences in Kyiv during the early days of the invasion, detailing the precarious nature of her position as ambassador. She recounted the challenges faced by her team as they sought to reestablish the U.S. embassy in the middle of a war zone, including logistical hurdles and the omnipresent threat of Russian missile strikes.
The ambassador described her arrival in Kyiv, which required immediate efforts to restore a functional diplomatic mission despite the ongoing violence. She remembered the risks involved in daily operations, including air alerts and close proximity to missile strikes.
Transportation within Ukraine posed additional challenges, as Brink had to navigate a war-torn landscape without the safety of air travel. Most movements were made by train, where she detailed incidents of near-miss attacks and the constant threat of missile strikes while traveling.
As the discussion moved to the current state of the war, Brink assessed that Russia has adopted a strategy of pretending to seek negotiations while simultaneously continuing its military offensives. She emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to its defense and will continue to fight for its sovereignty.
Brink acknowledged the recent successful attacks by Ukraine on Russian military assets but warned that such victories come at a high cost, as civilians continue to suffer from ongoing attacks.
Frum noted the strange dynamics of the discourse surrounding the conflict, with Brink seemingly addressing claims that undermine Ukraine’s position as the victim of aggression. Brink’s articulate defense of Ukraine highlighted the crises facing democracy and international order—not only for Ukraine but globally.
Brink shared her experiences of providing recommendations and advice during her ambassadorship, which became increasingly difficult under the Trump administration. She reflected on how the chaotic nature of the U.S. policy process during this period stifled the ability to implement coherent strategies in support of Ukraine.
In her departure from Ukraine, Brink conveyed the somber recognition from Ukrainian officials regarding U.S. support, noting the weight of their expectations during this critical time.
In closing, Brink called for American leadership that aligns with democratic values and ensures that aggressors like Putin do not achieve their strategic ambitions unfettered.
Frum thanked Brink for her insights and expressed hope that the U.S. commitment to Ukraine and global democracy would endure amid challenging political times.
image source from：theatlantic
