Recent threats from Russian officials, including the potential use of nuclear weapons, highlight the gravity of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the difficult decisions facing the United States and its Western allies. Russia has warned of severe consequences if Ukraine is allowed to use Western-supplied weapons for long-range strikes on Russian territory, with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev going as far as suggesting that such actions could justify nuclear retaliation. These threats underscore the stakes of this conflict, but they should not paralyze our response.

From the outset of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Western nations, led by the Biden/Harris administration, have been hesitant to give Ukraine the tools it needs to fully defend itself. While some aid has been provided, it has been piecemeal and slow, constantly hindered by a fear of escalation. As Christians and conservatives, we must acknowledge that the battle in Ukraine is not just a geopolitical struggle; it is a moral battle between good and evil, between freedom and tyranny.

Moral Clarity in the Face of Aggression

The Bible calls us to defend the oppressed and stand against injustice. Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Ukraine, as a sovereign nation, was invaded without provocation. Cities have been bombed, civilians have been killed, and millions have been displaced. This is not a conflict that can be resolved through appeasement or hesitation. Boldness in the face of aggression is the only moral and just response.

Russia’s threats of escalation, including the possibility of nuclear strikes, are nothing new. Vladimir Putin and his regime have consistently used fear and intimidation to achieve their goals. If we allow these threats to dictate our actions, we set a dangerous precedent—not only in Ukraine but globally. Weakness and indecision invite more aggression, emboldening tyrants like Putin who seek to expand their influence at the expense of peace and liberty.

The Failure of the Biden/Harris Administration

The Biden/Harris administration’s handling of the Ukraine crisis has been marked by caution and half-measures. Rather than providing Ukraine with the full arsenal it needs to win the war, the administration has chosen a slow, piecemeal approach that leaves Ukraine vulnerable and drags the conflict on indefinitely. Fears of escalation are understandable, but such fears cannot override the moral imperative to support Ukraine in defending itself against an invader.

In contrast to the strength and determination that previous administrations have shown in standing up to foreign adversaries, the Biden/Harris administration’s approach has been marked by timidity. Vladimir Putin has sensed this weakness and continues to push the boundaries, knowing that the West’s responses are inconsistent and hesitant. This is not the bold leadership we need in times of crisis. We must stand firm and give Ukraine what it needs—not just to survive, but to win.

The Path Forward: Courage, Not Fear

As Christians, we are called to be courageous in the face of evil. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” This applies not just in our personal lives but in how we respond to global challenges. While Russia’s nuclear threats are alarming, we must recognize them for what they are: attempts to instill fear and hesitation in the West. Responding with timidity will only embolden Putin and other adversaries.

Providing Ukraine with the weapons and support it needs to defend itself, including long-range strike capabilities, is not an act of escalation; it is an act of justice. Russia has already escalated this war by invading a neighbor, launching countless missiles, and committing atrocities. Allowing Ukraine to strike back and defend itself is not only just—it may be the only way to end the war and prevent further bloodshed.

Conclusion: A Call for Bold Leadership

The Russo-Ukrainian war is a defining moment for the West and for the United States. How we respond will set the tone for future global conflicts and the balance of power. If we cower in the face of Russian threats, we signal to dictators around the world that they can act with impunity. But if we stand firm, we reaffirm our commitment to freedom, justice, and the defense of the oppressed.

The Biden/Harris administration must change its approach and lead with strength and conviction. Providing Ukraine with the tools it needs, including the ability to strike deep into Russian territory, is a necessary step toward bringing this war to an end. Let us not be driven by fear, but by our duty to protect and defend the principles of sovereignty and justice. In doing so, we honor both our moral obligations and our calling as Christians to stand up for what is right in the face of evil.