As we approach the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a time of reflection comes and goes for Ukrainian Americans and Americans in general. 

Ukrainians reflect on the siege their country has been forced under for three years with no end in sight. They ponder the demands President Donald Trump wants to enforce in order to end the war, and question how those demands benefit Ukraine. 

Americans reflect on the money “wasted” on Ukraine while our own country suffers from flooding, raging wildfires and devastating losses in marginalized communities. Americans want a government focused on America.

Regardless of opinions, the three-year war between Ukraine and Russia brings emotions to the surface for all involved. And the overwhelming consensus is this: The war must end with Ukraine being independent from Russia. 

Russia does not get to dictate how much of Ukraine it wants. Russia had its borders drawn when the Soviet Union was dissolved, and the people of Ukraine deserve to have their country belong to them. Not just 80% of their country to appease Russia, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

With a potential end to the war in sight, America faces a crucial decision. We can help Russia and Ukraine come to a peaceful agreement that benefits both countries equally. Or we can side with a dictatorship and install fear in a tiny nation that deserves more help than we’ve given them already. 

The right choice is in front of us. Or is this “Golden Age of America” no longer the leader the world expects it to be?