It only takes one man to ignite a war. Against the will of the Ukrainian people, the Russian people and the international community, Vladimir Putin has launched the largest war on the European continent since World War II.
Now an imperiled Ukrainian people are fighting for their very right to exist. Russian soldiers face fierce resistance outside of Kyiv and Kharkiv as thousands of Ukrainians rush home past the exodus of women and children to take arms against the invaders.
As a free people, we bear a sacred responsibility to stand shoulder to shoulder with those on their quest for freedom, no matter where that road leads. The torch of liberty is fickle and requires constant tending to — lest it is extinguished by the machinations of tyrants.
The United States, joined by our international partners, has unleashed the full brunt of our economic and diplomatic power against Putin’s regime. All across the world, the wealth of Russian Oligarchs is being targeted. Their yachts, penthouses, and bank accounts are being seized across the globe. Russia has lost access to international banking institutions, and as a result, their currency has lost 30% of its value, and their stock exchange lost 40% of its value before its closure.
However, the West is still subsidizing Putin’s regime. An unhealthy dependence on Russian fuel provides Putin’s regime with the financial resources it needs to satisfy its core constituencies through government aid and continue the war. Until the West is able to provide for its own energy needs, we continue to enable his regime.
The United States and our partners need to cut its cord of dependency on a regime hostile to human rights and the right of self-determination. We need to, for the duration of this war, stop the importation of Russian hydrocarbons, i.e., oil and natural gas. Through an ‘all of the above’ energy policy like we had under the Obama and Trump administration, America can reclaim its energy independence and deliver a blow to Putin’s last lifeline.
In the meantime, there are steps we can take in our daily lives to help the people of Ukraine. There are numerous vetted charities we can all donate to that support the Ukrainian people. Additionally, pressuring your local, state and federal officials to continue campaigns against Russia in the form of divestment and boycotts is a must.
Governor Hochul has already directed Comptroller DiNapoli to divest from Russian companies and terminated contracts with Russian companies herself.
Lastly, we need to counter Russian narratives spun by the Kremlin. Russian state-owned media and Russian linked Twitter and Instagram accounts are spewing vitriol against the West and Ukraine. Support the people of Ukraine. That is the message. This is The Messenger.
