GIWPS Experts Urge Decisive U.S. Action to Prevent Ukraine Abandonment
As documented by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, an online discussion was hosted by the organization on Tuesday to examine what is at stake for Ukraine, Europe, and the United States amid a particularly dangerous phase of Russia’s full-scale war.
Moderated by GIWPS Executive Director Ambassador Melanne Verveer, the discussion took place as trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States were underway in Abu Dhabi. Russia escalated its attacks on civilians, schools, and energy infrastructure heading into winter during these talks.
Speakers emphasized that strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress is important. Ukraine’s survival as a free and democratic nation matters far beyond its borders.
“Ukraine’s success is essential to protecting the principles of democracy and sovereignty worldwide and to advancing the national security interests of the United States and its allies, which is why decisive action is needed now,” the panel emphasized.
Congress should pass veto-proof legislation to sustain support for Ukraine. Lawmakers have an opportunity to act even over a presidential veto with strong bipartisan majorities when a new Congress convenes in January.
Such legislation should restore direct financial assistance to the Ukrainian government alongside economic, humanitarian, and military support. The Defense Department should be mandated by this measure to transfer essential weaponry from American reserves and speed up the manufacturing of PAC-3 interceptors.
Before winter arrives—rather than waiting until 2030—the United States and its partners need to address Ukraine’s vulnerability in air defense. Ukraine went a week without US early warning of incoming ballistic missiles this fall.
Reliable intelligence sharing and early warning form the foundation of civilian protection. Russia is producing roughly 140 ballistic missiles a month while new jet-powered drones evade existing defenses.
More than 76,000 women now serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Most of them come from civilian professions as teachers, IT specialists, and entrepreneurs.
They bring new capabilities as drone instructors, commanders, medics, and military innovators. Yet only about a third of servicewomen report that their needs are fully met.
Barriers to leadership and properly fitted equipment persist, and Ukraine’s negotiating teams remain entirely male. Partners should support gender-responsive defense reform and press for women’s inclusion in any peace process.
Education also remains a core pillar of national security. Ukrainian children are now in their fifth academic year of full-scale war.
Roughly one in seven schools has been damaged or destroyed. Constant attacks force children into bomb shelters for hours each day in Kyiv and frontline regions.
There can be no lasting peace without justice. Ukrainians will not accept a peace that grants impunity for war crimes.
The United States should restore its support for investigating and documenting Russian war crimes. Congress should examine how dual-use components produced by American companies continue to reach Russian weapons.
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine William B. said that justice will arrive once Ukraine wins the conflict, which makes it crucial for Washington and its allies to guarantee a Ukrainian victory.