Abandoning Ukraine: The Strategic and Moral Cost of Retreat
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from April 23, 2025 | Trump’s Foreign Policy: The Impact on Global Democracy and U.S. National Security
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul offered a stark assessment of the global consequences of a potential American withdrawal from Ukraine. Drawing on his extensive experience as a diplomat, scholar, and advisor to Ukrainian civil society, McFaul laid out what is at stake—not only for Ukraine and Europe, but for U.S. national interests, democratic values, and the broader international order.
A War Entering Its Fourth Year
McFaul opened by acknowledging the unimaginable longevity of the war in Ukraine. Despite hopes for a quicker resolution, the conflict has dragged on into its fourth year, with no clear end in sight. Frustration has built on both sides: among Ukrainians who feel abandoned and among U.S. officials concerned about the pace and outcome of the war effort.
Yet, even amid fatigue, McFaul stressed that walking away would be a historic mistake. He cited efforts from Donald Trump’s team to broker a ceasefire, including overtures to Russia and early concessions such as recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and pledging to block Ukraine’s NATO membership. While such efforts were framed as steps toward peace, McFaul warned that they amounted to frontloading concessions without extracting anything meaningful in return—a strategy he likened to “all carrots for Putin and all sticks for Zelensky.”
The Danger of Strategic Withdrawal
One of McFaul’s central concerns is that the Trump team’s approach could lay the groundwork for a complete U.S. withdrawal—militarily, diplomatically, and morally. He sees signs that Trump-era figures are not only angling to end aid to Ukraine but are prepared to abandon the country altogether, a move that would shatter trust among allies and embolden adversaries.
He outlined two troubling theories behind this posture: one, that it stems from diplomatic incompetence; and two, that it’s a deliberate strategy to walk away while blaming Ukraine for noncompliance. Either way, McFaul emphasized, the outcome would be dire—not only for Ukraine, but for the credibility of U.S. leadership and the future of NATO.
The Worst-Case Scenario: Collapse of Ukraine and NATO Fracture
If the U.S. pulls back, McFaul warned, the worst-case scenario could unfold: Russia capturing more territory, even pushing toward Kyiv, while NATO fails to respond with unity or force. This would signal to the world that NATO is hollow and that the U.S. no longer stands by its allies.
McFaul drew chilling historical parallels to the 1930s, warning against modern-day appeasement of authoritarian powers. Just as isolationism and passivity in the interwar period allowed fascist regimes to gain ground, a similar retreat now would not only endanger Ukraine, but put frontline NATO states like Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia at risk
The Fragility of Democratic Norms
Beyond Ukraine, McFaul connected the threat of U.S. disengagement to a broader erosion of democratic norms. He argued that caving to Putin’s aggression undermines the post-World War II commitment to sovereignty and non-annexation. Allowing authoritarian leaders to redraw borders by force threatens the global order, especially when that appeasement is led by the world’s most powerful democracy.
A Call to Action
Despite the dire warnings, McFaul ended on a note of hope. Americans, he argued, still care deeply about democracy and freedom—but they need to hear why this fight matters. Elites, he admitted, have failed to make the case persuasively to the public. The antidote is grassroots engagement—conversations in places like Montana, Idaho, and Ohio—not just among policymakers, but with everyday citizens who must be reminded that democracy is not a spectator sport.
As McFaul concluded, “You just can’t take it for granted. You’ve got to get in the game.”
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.