Why Supporting Ukraine’s Sovereignty Matters: U.S. Promises and a Stand for Global Stability

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Introduction

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, ongoing since 2014, escalated significantly with Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022 (Encyclopaedia Britannica). This war is not merely a regional conflict; it is a pivotal battle for the future of global democracy and sovereignty (Brookings Institution). The outcome will shape not only Ukraine's future but also the broader international order, influencing how democracies worldwide are treated by authoritarian regimes (Defense.gov).

With authoritarianism on the rise globally, Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty is more than a regional issue. It is a test of the international community’s commitment to democratic values and the rules-based order.

 

U.S.-Led Initiative and Commitments: The 1994 Budapest Memorandum and U.S. Promises

After the dissolution of the USSR, Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991. As part of its transition, Ukraine agreed to relinquish its nuclear arsenal—the third-largest in the world—based on security assurances from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia. These commitments were formalized in the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, signed on December 5, 1994.

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The Budapest Memorandum assured that:

• Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be respected.

• Russia, the U.S., and the U.K. would refrain from using force or economic coercion against Ukraine.

• If Ukraine were threatened, these nations would seek immediate assistance from the United Nations Security Council.

For nearly two decades, Ukraine upheld its end of the agreement, remaining a non-nuclear state.

 

Russia’s Violation of the Agreement: The 2014 Annexation of Crimea

In 2014, Russia violated the Budapest Memorandum by invading and annexing Crimea, undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity (National Security Archive, 2024; European Union External Action, 2023). The Western response was limited to sanctions, falling short of direct military intervention (Harvard Kennedy School, 2023; Belfer Center, 2020).

In 2022, Russia escalated its aggression with a full-scale invasion. The security assurances made under the Budapest Memorandum were not enforced, raising grave concerns about the credibility of international agreements that lack enforcement mechanisms (Belfer Center, 2020; International Crisis Group, 2022).

 

U.S. Actions in Support of Ukraine: 2022–2025

In response to Russia’s violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty, including the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 full-scale invasion, the United States has taken strong measures against Russian aggression. While the Budapest Memorandum did not include a binding military defense commitment, the U.S. has worked to uphold its assurances through military aid, economic sanctions on Russia, and diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine’s sovereignty (U.S. Department of State).

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The U.S. remains one of the largest suppliers of military assistance to Ukraine, providing advanced weaponry, intelligence support, and financial aid. Some argue that this aligns with the spirit of the Budapest Memorandum, reinforcing the principle that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be protected. However, critics contend that the U.S. and other signatories have not provided the level of security guarantees Ukraine expected, especially given the scale of Russian aggression (Congressional Research Service).

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Some argue that the U.S. should focus on domestic issues or avoid prolonged foreign entanglements. Others worry about escalation risks with Russia. However, even from a strategic standpoint, allowing Russia to succeed could embolden other authoritarian regimes, leading to greater instability and conflict. The Carnegie Endowment discusses how the appeal of authoritarian conflict management might encourage more nations to resolve disputes through force, heightening global instability. This underscores the strategic risks of tolerating expansionist actions by authoritarian powers (Carnegie Endowment).

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Beyond the Budapest Memorandum, there’s a broader moral argument: Ukraine is a democratic nation facing an unprovoked invasion by an authoritarian regime that has committed documented war crimes. Human Rights Watch reports that since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, thousands of civilians have been killed, infrastructure has been destroyed, and Russian forces have committed numerous violations of international law (Human Rights Watch).

Supporting Ukraine aligns with principles of defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law—values that the U.S. has historically championed.

 

Ukraine and Russia’s Positions on a Peace Plan

Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Plan

At the November 2022 G20 summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced a 10-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict with Russia. The plan includes the following key points:

1. Restoring nuclear safety at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian occupation.

2. Ensuring Ukraine's grain exports to support global food security, particularly for vulnerable nations.

3. Implementing price restrictions on Russian energy resources to reduce Russia’s ability to finance the war.

4. Releasing all prisoners and deported children, including those forcibly taken to Russia.

5. Reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity in accordance with the U.N. Charter, making it a non-negotiable aspect of the peace plan.

6. Ensuring the withdrawal of Russian troops from all occupied territories and achieving a full cessation of hostilities.

7. Establishing a tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes, holding those responsible for violations of international law accountable.

8. Implementing environmental protections, including large-scale demining efforts to prevent further harm to civilians.

9. Building a Euro-Atlantic security framework that includes security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future aggression.

10. Signing a formal document concluding the war, ensuring that all involved parties are legally bound to the agreement.

 

Russia’s Peace Conditions

In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined ceasefire conditions, demanding that Ukraine:

• Recognize Russian sovereignty over annexed territories, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia

• Abandon aspirations to join NATO

• Adopt a neutral status and refrain from developing nuclear weapons (BBC News, The Guardian, Ukrainska Pravda)

 

As of March 2025, Russia continues to reject Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan, insisting on retaining occupied territories—approximately 20% of Ukraine’s land (Financial Times).

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Russia’s stance contradicts its commitments under the Budapest Memorandum and violates international law prohibiting territorial acquisition by force. If this precedent is allowed to stand, it risks undermining diplomatic agreements worldwide and diminishing the credibility of legal frameworks designed to prevent conflicts.

 

Conclusion: Why Ukraine’s Sovereignty Matters

Ukraine’s sovereignty is not just a regional issue—it has profound global implications for international law, democracy, and security. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 violated national sovereignty principles enshrined in the U.N. Charter, setting a dangerous precedent for other nations threatened by authoritarian regimes (United Nations, 2025).

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If Ukraine were to fall to Russian aggression, it would embolden autocratic regimes, sending a chilling message that violations of international law can occur without consequence (U.S. Department of State, 2025).

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The world must not waver in its support for Ukraine. This is not just about one nation—it is about defending democracy, upholding international security, and preserving the fundamental principles that govern the global order.

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References

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