The United States should step up support for Ukraine to the extent that it will win the war with Russia and ensure a sustainable peace, says former NATO Secretary General and former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

In a commentary to Foreign Policy, Rasmussen explained how Ukraine's support can help the US.

The politician notes that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has intensified defense issues for the governments of European countries, in particular, pushed Finland and Sweden to join NATO.

“The war showed that Washington remains the main guarantor of security in Europe. It also testified to the need for the democratic world to unite in the face of the threat of autocratic states that behave more aggressively,” he explains..

In the event of a protracted war in the center of Europe, it will be more difficult for the United States to focus on its main strategic focus - the Pacific region and competition with China, Rasmussen notes..

In his opinion, the best way to avoid the trap is to provide Ukraine with everything necessary to win this war.. “After that, the West should take care that Russia does not want to attack Ukraine again,” Rasmussen argues..

Former NATO Secretary General is the head of the working group to develop ideas for security guarantees for Ukraine. The work of the group has not yet been completed, but experts agree that the best way to deter further Russian aggression will be a militarily strong Ukraine.

“Therefore, the US and allies must provide everything Ukraine needs to protect its independence in the long term.. If the West does not do this, Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine,” the politician notes..

Rasmussen recalls that the Russian-Ukrainian war is of global importance, because the reaction of the West, like a litmus test, is watched by dictators around the world.

“A difficult winter is ahead and the unity of the countries of the West will face trials. But the West must redouble its efforts to ensure that Ukraine wins both the victory and the much-desired peace.. If you fail at this, autocrats around the world will rejoice,” he concludes..

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