OPINION: A New Path Forward: Peace Through Strength
Will the US take the bold steps necessary to end this war, or will they continue down a path of inaction that only prolongs the suffering? Here is a three-pillar strategy for peace.
Originally published at Kyiv Post on Apr 20, 2025
Photo:depositphotos
As we enter the fourth year of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, the stakes for US national security, European stability, and global peace have never been higher.
Over the past few months, despite multiple opportunities for ceasefires, Putin’s regime has been relentless, continuing to bomb Ukrainian civilians with impunity. Just a few days ago, on Palm Sunday, Russian forces launched a horrific double-tap missile strike on Sumy, killing 32 churchgoers as they gathered for services. The first missile struck, then as rescue crews rushed to help, a second ballistic missile followed – deliberately targeting those trying to save lives. This atrocity is just one of many, showcasing Putin’s complete disregard for human life and his rejection of peace.
Ukraine has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of this aggression, and its determination to defend its sovereignty remains unwavering. However, with reduced air defense capabilities, particularly as key systems have been depleted, Russia’s attacks are becoming increasingly dangerous. Ukraine cannot fight this battle alone; it is clear that the United States must take decisive action to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and ensure its continued success on the battlefield.
After numerous meetings and discussions with key Congressional leaders such as Congressman Don Bacon, Congressman Ken Calvert, Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Steve Womack, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, we assess that a three-pillar strategy is emerging between Washington and Kyiv, an approach that reflects a unified commitment to ending this war and ensuring a lasting peace. This strategy, which balances economic partnership, military support, and sanctions, sets the stage for a long-term, comprehensive solution.
These offices, along with many others, have reviewed advanced copies of our Peace Through Strength Plan, Win for Ukraine, Defend America at Home, a framework that outlines the specifics of how this strategy can be successfully implemented. The feedback from these discussions has been invaluable in refining our approach and aligning it with the needs of both Ukraine and the United States.
The three-pillar Strategy: a unified approach
This strategy reflects the alignment between US and Ukrainian priorities, and it is designed to not only strengthen Ukraine but also to safeguard broader Western interests.
- Economic partnership
The first pillar focuses on creating a strong and diverse economic partnership with Ukraine. This goes far beyond simply accessing Ukraine’s mineral resources. It involves collaboration in agriculture, drone technology, data analytics, and other key sectors. These partnerships will build a robust, sustainable Ukrainian economy that will enable it to stand resilient and independent in the long term. Strengthening Ukraine’s economy is critical to ensuring its stability and reinforcing the message that the US is committed to Ukraine’s success both in its defense efforts and in its future rebuilding.
- Military support: arm Ukraine so this never happens again
The second pillar is about arming Ukraine to ensure it has the tools to defend itself and prevent further Russian aggression. The US must lead the way in providing Ukraine with advanced weapons, air defense systems, and missile defense technologies. By providing this support, we not only empower Ukraine to defend its sovereignty but also bolster our own defense capabilities by modernizing US military technology.
Military support must be informed by cutting-edge technological advancements. The Peace Through Strength Plan, Win for Ukraine, Defend America at Home, which we have developed in partnership with key leaders and experts, outlines the specific needs for military aid, including support for drone technologies and other advanced systems that will enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Drones have proven to be a decisive element in Ukraine’s military success, and we will soon be releasing our upcoming publication, “America’s Blind Spot in the Drone War: Why Ukraine Holds the Key to US AI Supremacy.” This work will explore how Ukraine’s rapid adoption and effective use of drones is reshaping the battlefield and offering vital lessons for US military strategy, particularly in areas like AI and unmanned systems.
Our Peace Through Strength Plan provides a comprehensive look at these needs and more, offering specific recommendations for how military aid can be effectively structured and delivered to maximize impact. This plan is available upon request for those interested in understanding the full scope of how we can support Ukraine’s defense and simultaneously strengthen America’s technological edge.
- Sanctions to cripple Putin’s regime
The third pillar involves implementing a robust sanctions package that will isolate and weaken the Putin regime. These sanctions will target key Russian sectors and individuals, cutting off essential resources and significantly damaging the Russian economy.
We applaud the progress made by S.1241, the Sanctioning Russia Act 2025, led by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, and H.R.2548, the House counterpart spearheaded by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. These bills are making their way through the Senate and the House, and their swift passage will play a pivotal role in holding Putin accountable. By targeting Russia’s financial sector, defense manufacturers, and critical industries, these sanctions are an essential tool in weakening the Kremlin’s war machine.
While we understand the growing challenges in securing new funding from Washington, especially given Congress, the White House, and the public’s waning appetite for more aid to Ukraine, we believe that leveraging Russian frozen assets offers an immediate and effective solution. These assets, currently held in European banks as a result of sanctions, provide a unique opportunity to fund Ukraine’s defense efforts without burdening US taxpayers.
The old approach, relying on diplomacy and appeasing Russia, has failed. The time for decisive leadership is now.
Funding the strategy: Russian frozen assets
To fund this strategy, we can unlock the $253 billion in Russian assets currently frozen across European banks. These assets, seized in response to Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, should be used to help fund Ukraine’s defense efforts, including the purchase of American-made weapons and missile defense systems. By using these frozen funds, we can provide Ukraine with the resources it needs to protect its sovereignty and ensure that Russia’s war machine is crippled, all while stimulating US manufacturing and creating jobs.
Just as Vice President JD Vance has recently pointed out, we will rejuvenate our weapons manufacturing and ensure our military has the finest training and technology available. What better way to achieve this than by using Russian assets to fuel this process, ensuring that America’s defense industry is not only modernized but also equipped to meet the challenges of the future? This approach addresses the challenge of obtaining new funding from Congress and the White House, offering an innovative solution that minimizes the need for additional taxpayer funding while maximizing the impact of US and European resources. By leveraging these frozen assets, we demonstrate our commitment to Ukraine and to a just peace, while ensuring that the US remains the world leader in both defense and diplomacy.
A fresh start for President Trump
President Donald Trump , committed to “America First,” now has the opportunity to pivot his foreign policy and unite the country with a bold new approach. He can tell his base, “I tried to get Putin to stop the killing, but he refused to come to the table. Now, it’s time to take decisive action.”
This shift offers Trump a fresh start, an opportunity to implement Peace Through Strength on a global scale. By arming Ukraine, leveraging Russian frozen assets, and investing in US manufacturing, he can achieve multiple goals: protecting Europe, creating American jobs, modernizing the US military, and keeping American troops out of harm’s way.
Trump can also seek the Nobel Peace Prize by convincing European allies to release those frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense. This move would not only cripple Putin’s regime but also demonstrate the power of financial leverage in confronting tyranny.
A clear path to victory
The old approach, relying on diplomacy and appeasing Russia, has failed. The time for decisive leadership is now. By following this three-pillar strategy, strengthening economic ties, arming Ukraine, and implementing robust sanctions, we can defeat Putin, protect Europe, and secure a lasting peace for all. This strategy, fueled by Russian frozen assets and bolstered by US defense manufacturing, provides a clear path to victory.
At the Peace Through Strength Institute, we are working tirelessly to develop and advocate for this kind of strategy. The question now is: Will we take the bold step necessary to end this war, or will we continue down a path of inaction that only prolongs the suffering? The United States has the opportunity to lead the world, and with Peace Through Strength, we will ensure that the world knows: The United States is back and we will not let Russia or any other tyrant threaten the peace and prosperity of the free world.