The war in Ukraine rages on, not because Ukraine wants it, but because Russia refuses to end it. Vladimir Putin’s ambitions have turned Ukraine into both a battleground and a proving ground—for military technology, modern warfare tactics, and the resilience of democracy itself.
Ukraine has proven to be an essential European partner, acting as a buffer against Russian aggression. Its soldiers are pioneering the use of drones and anti-drone technology in combat. And President Volodymyr Zelenskyy? He’s being compared to Winston Churchill as one of the greatest wartime leaders of our time.
But then, there’s Donald Trump.
Trump’s representatives recently met with Russian representatives to discuss “resolving the conflict”—without consulting Ukraine, NATO, or the EU. His proposed solution? Ukraine should “pay back” the U.S. by handing over its critical mineral resources. He also suggests letting Russia keep the Ukrainian land it has seized—while simply trusting Putin not to attack again.
Even worse, Trump labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator,” despite him being democratically elected. When Zelenskyy visited the U.S., Trump showed zero respect, empathy, or understanding of the stakes. Instead, he repeated Kremlin propaganda.
The world overwhelmingly supports Ukraine. We need the U.S. to stand firm against Russian aggression—not just for Ukraine’s sake, but for global stability. A weak or unreliable U.S. emboldens Russia and sends a dangerous signal to Beijing. If America can’t be trusted to stand by Ukraine, can Taiwan and its neighbors count on support when needed?
This is especially concerning for Australia. Right now, a small fleet of Chinese navy vessels is circumnavigating our country—the first such foreign circumnavigation since Captain Matthew Flinders 1799. A Virgin Airlines pilot even had to report the presence of and divert from Chinese live-fire drills near Sydney. Our national defense should not rely on Virgin Airlines commercial flights.
With an Australian federal election looming, and a world teetering on the edge of greater conflict, one thing is clear: we need strong leadership and unwavering support for Ukraine. Because when we stand by Ukraine, we stand for democracy, stability, and a world where bullies don’t get to take what they want.
And as for Trump? Reports from The Mirror and MSN claim a former Soviet spy alleges Trump was recruited by the KGB under the codename “Krasnov” in 1987 before the USSR collapsed. Whether true or not, his actions continue to align suspiciously well with Russia’s interests.
The world needs leaders who stand up to dictators, not bow down to them.