Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference revealed several key points about the ongoing war in Ukraine, America’s role, and the deepening divide between European and American approaches to the conflict. The demand for security guarantees before any negotiations with Vladimir Putin underscores both Ukraine’s vulnerability and its strategy to secure Western backing.

As an independent-minded Christian conservative, I believe we must look at this situation with a balanced approach—one that recognizes the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty while also considering America’s national interest. The Biden administration dragged its feet on aid, the Trump administration is now a haphazard mess, and Europe has spent far too much time relying on the United States to shoulder the burden. It’s time for some hard conversations about the future of U.S. involvement in this war.

The Importance of Protecting Ukraine’s Sovereignty

First and foremost, let’s be clear: Ukraine’s sovereignty matters. It is in the interest of the United States, Europe, and the entire world to ensure that Putin does not succeed in redrawing borders by force. History shows us that when aggressors are not confronted, they tend to push further.

If Ukraine were to fall entirely under Russian control or be carved up to Putin’s liking, it would send a dangerous message to other authoritarian regimes—most notably China, which has its eyes on Taiwan. Weakness in Ukraine today could embolden Beijing tomorrow.

That being said, while defending Ukraine’s sovereignty is important, we must ask: at what cost and under what strategy? The Biden administration threw billions into Ukraine with little oversight, and now the Trump administration seems ready to reverse course without a clear, organized plan.

Europe Must Take the Lead

One of the biggest problems throughout this war has been the overreliance on the United States. From the beginning, European nations have expected America to bankroll the war effort while they offer minimal financial and military commitments.

It’s time for that to change. Ukraine is a European nation, and its fate should primarily be the responsibility of Europe. America should provide support—strategic, financial, diplomatic, and even military—but it should not continue to be the primary engine behind this war effort. If Germany, France, and other European powerhouses truly believe Ukraine’s sovereignty is vital, they need to step up in a big way.

Thankfully, it seems like the United Kingdom is willing to fill that leadership vacuum if the United States fails to find its backbone. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s strong support for Ukraine, along with the Baltic-Nordic alliance’s commitment to Kyiv, suggests that at least some European nations recognize their responsibility. If the U.S. lacks the courage and fortitude to lead, then Europe must be prepared to fill that role. This is their backyard, and they need to take ownership of it.

Security Guarantees

Zelenskyy’s demand for security guarantees before engaging in negotiations with Putin is not only reasonable—it’s essential. Ukraine has already endured one unprovoked invasion, and without firm commitments from Western allies, there is nothing stopping Russia from regrouping and attacking again in the future. If the goal is a just and lasting peace, then Ukraine must have ironclad assurances that it will not be left vulnerable once more.

The United States and European nations must stand together in providing these guarantees, with Europe shouldering the primary responsibility as Ukraine’s closest ally. However, America must also play a strong supporting role, ensuring that any agreement carries real weight. This does not mean reckless escalation or an open-ended military commitment, but rather a clear message to Russia: Any future aggression will not go unanswered.

With a firm and united Western stance, the likelihood of another Russian attack drops significantly. Putin thrives on weakness and hesitation—if he sees a divided or uncertain West, he will exploit it. But if the U.S. and Europe stand resolute in their commitment to Ukraine’s security, he will have no choice but to think twice before considering further aggression.

Trump’s Foreign Policy: A Mess That Needs Fixing

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Trump administration’s chaotic approach to Ukraine.

Look, I respect Trump’s willingness to question the D.C. war machine and push back against endless military commitments. During his first term, he kept Russia in check without involving America in costly wars, and that was a major success. However, what we’re seeing now is a foreign policy that lacks coherence.

First, Trump appears to be making unilateral concessions to Putin without consulting Ukraine or European allies. Then, he turns around and assures Zelenskyy that America won’t abandon him. Meanwhile, his administration officials are contradicting one another, with the Defense Secretary ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine while other Trump officials imply negotiations are still up in the air.

This kind of haphazard, seat-of-the-pants diplomacy is reckless. Foreign policy is not a reality TV show—it requires discipline, strategic foresight, and a clear mission. If Trump’s team wants to negotiate peace, they need to get their act together.

What Should America’s Role Be?

So, where does this leave us? What should we be advocating for?

1. Ukraine’s sovereignty must be protected, but the primary responsibility should fall on Europe.
2. Any U.S. support should be conditional—tied to a strategic plan that ensures accountability and a clear endgame.
3. Trump’s administration needs to develop a disciplined, strategic approach to Ukraine instead of lurching between reckless concessions and half-hearted assurances.
4. America’s first priority must be its own people—securing our own borders, strengthening our economy, and maintaining military readiness without overextending ourselves abroad.

Ultimately, we must find a middle ground between reckless interventionism and isolationist neglect. A prudent, America-first approach does not mean abandoning our allies, but it does mean ensuring that our involvement is measured, strategic, and beneficial to our own national interest.

This war will not last forever. When the dust settles, we need to be able to look back and say that we helped Ukraine stand against tyranny—but we did so wisely, responsibly, and in a way that strengthened America rather than weakened it.