Weeks into the invasion, Putin's losses are severe, his advances have faced strong resistance. He made the mistake of assuming that Ukraine would fold under the threat of attack by the "mighty" Russian military forces. It's clear to all that the motivation and competence of his military has been found wanting. Is it the Russian incompetence or are we reminded again that the resolve and will of a free people fighting to save their country is a force hard to match?
As the world watches, we applaud the power of heroic leadership and the will to preserve freedom. In the past, America projected that same confidence and had leaders willing to live it out when necessary. President Ronald Reagan warned "the enemies of freedom" not to test it.
In his first inaugural address, President Ronald Reagan spoke of that power in the will of American citizens. He asserted, "As for the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will be reminded that
peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it--now or ever. Our forbearance should never be misunderstood. Our reluctance for conflict should not be misjudged as a failure of will. When action is required to preserve our national security, we will act. We will maintain sufficient strength to prevail if need be, knowing that if we do so we have the best chance of never having to use that strength. Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have. It is a weapon that we as Americans do have. Let that be understood by those who practice terrorism and prey upon their neighbors."
Even if recent advances are successful in taking Kiev, there are questions as to whether Russian forces will ever be able to take and control the Ukrainian people. Winning this "war" will ensure more than Russian loses of personnel and equipment, Putin will be saddled with controlling a country that hates him and chafes at any Russian presence. The resulting resistance movement will require extensive Russian forces to counter their attacks and sabotage. Russia will need find effective puppet leaders to control the country, the cites, and supply essential services after destroying critical infrastructure.
After threatening any country daring to help Ukraine, Putin has expressed hope of a "return to normal" relations with the free world. But the world has seen the evil he can do against citizens and cities that resist him. The world is repulsed by his actions, and the "new normal" he has created is one of earned hatred and distrust. While Putin struggles to control Ukraine, the free world seems committed to continued sanctions and potentially holding Putin himself accountable for documented war crimes.
Putin has reawakened NATO and the UN to the potential of his unchecked expansion of Russian power. NATO forces are already put on alert and will be more prepared to defend NATO countries in the face of any future attacks. Putin's dream of an expanded Russia is a nightmare Europe and the world cannot allow to succeed.
Putin's "win" will be short lived. He may be able to raise the Russian flag over Ukraine, but he will not have won the hearts and minds of those living under it. Some will have fled to safety. Certainly, some will adapt and try to accept the reality of Russian dominance in order to get by and take care of their families. But many will join a robust resistance. Russia succumbed to that resistance when they tried to take and control Afghanistan; Russia was eventually forced to leave. That will happen again.
Whether captured or killed in the coming weeks, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky showed the character of a free people when he resisted the offer to flee. The world heard his resolve and commitment, "I don't need a ride. I need ammunition." That is the resolve Putin will face even if he wins.
Unfortunately, while we stand in awe of the actions of the brave men and women in Ukraine, we wonder whether America still has that same pride and resolve of a free people. Would we fight with the same resolve and fury as
the Ukrainians? Do we have a President strong enough to lead us in that fight for freedom?
Unfortunately, our President hasn't been strong enough to even help send needed MIG planes to Ukraine. President Biden is letting "fear" overcome our resolve to help preserve "freedom." Freedom isn't free, and it must be earned in every generation. Will we elect politicians in Washington committed to preserving the America we know we can be? That is a question yet to be answered. In November, we will have the opportunity to start making that a reality.
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter.