Private sector investment can help turn the tide in Ukraine

As Russia’s war against Ukraine grinds on, Ukrainians need U.S. security assistance to preserve security in Europe and beyond. The world is rightly watching to see whether Congress will stand up for democracy and send additional aid.

But although the focus is on Congress, there is something interesting happening under the radar: private Americans and non-profit organizations are stepping in to fill key gaps by providing non-lethal aid in the form of reconnaissance drones, vehicles, medical gear, and even training.

This type of aid, paired with continued critical support from the U.S. government and NATO, can help determine whether the Ukrainians emerge victorious against Russia’s unprovoked invasion.

Though Ukraine’s counteroffensive may be making slower progress than many hoped, the Ukrainians have the advantage and are indeed pressing the offensive. This war is not a stalemate or in deadlock. The front lines have simply shifted, and operations both on land and sea have changed as winter begins.

The Ukrainian Navy, for instance, has regained nearly complete control of the Northwestern Black Sea, pushing the Russian Navy east and southeast. It is sinking Russian maritime forces and will continue to do so as long as it has access to drones. On land, Ukrainian forces have pushed forward enough to begin using short range artillery fire into the land bridge to Crimea. The tides are shifting, and soon Russia will have no option but to retreat.

While support for Ukraine may appear to be waning in Congress, the same cannot be said for public opinion. Just last month, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs found that over 60 percent of Americans support providing economic assistance as well as additional arms and military supplies to the Ukrainian government. It should come as no surprise that Americans are passionate about defending American ideals, such as democracy and freedom, elsewhere around the globe.

Private-sector aid comes in a variety of forms, both through training courses and physical equipment. One organization, Spirit of America, recently announced that just $600,000 in donated frontline communications gear had helped to eliminate $3.5 billion in Russian weapons and equipment. That’s a heck of a return on investment.

With the support of private citizens, the same group has raised more than $65 million in high-impact, non-lethal assistance to Ukrainians on the front lines, such as drones, ballistic helmets and other vital supplies that are making a difference on the battlefield.

Private-sector groups are exempt from the bureaucratic red tape that surrounds aid delivered through official government channels. Government aid can take months to approve and even longer to deliver. But private-sector channels are able to deliver assistance within days. Many of these entities already have well-established relationships with military officials, diplomats, and others on the ground in Ukraine, which allows for timely and accurate updates from the frontlines. Information detailing the most critical needs can be relayed instantly, and tailored aid can quickly be delivered where needed.

Success in Ukraine is both a victory for Ukrainians and for strategic American interests. Our economic prosperity is directly linked to the European region, and the greatest threats to our national security are Russia and China. China is watching this war unfold, and if Russia comes out victorious, there is no doubt China will follow with its own acts of aggression. The consequences of this war will have a domino effect, and I can only hope that Americans — both within the government and private citizens — will help ensure that dominos are falling in our favor.

Russia will continue to exploit its support from our adversaries with drones from Iran and long-range missiles from North Korea. As long as this continues, we must respond with support for our friends in Ukraine. Ukraine remains resolute in its efforts to win this war, and to gamble otherwise is a mistake.

Americans must uphold President Ronald Reagan’s plea of 1985: “We must not break faith with those who are risking their lives…to defy Soviet-supported aggression and secure rights which have been ours from birth.”

Our government can and should continue its support for Ukraine. But our government, and governments around the world, cannot do it alone. While we demand that the U.S. Congress take action, private Americans can lead the way by supporting Ukraine now.

Philip Breedlove is a retired four-star general, served as the commander of U.S. European Command and as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander from 2013 until 2016.