Should Ukraine be Defended by the United States and Other Threats

The Constitution of the United States defines the numerous means of forming treaties and their required ratification. Once these definitions have been completed, the treaty is to be treated as the “Law of the Land.” Numerous, if not the vast majority, of treaties entered into by the United States went through a ratification by the United States Senate, after which, they would even supersede the Constitution itself. One such treaty is the December 5, 1994, <a href=http://www.pircenter.org/media/content/files/12/13943175580.pdf> “Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances…”</a> whose beginning is quoted below.

• 1. The United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the CSCE Final Act, to respect the Independence and Sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine.
• 2. The United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirm their obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine, and that none of their weapons will ever be used against Ukraine except in self-defense or otherwise in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
• 3. The United States of America, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine…

Apparently, should Putin violate the Ukrainian border, not only are the United States and Britain being required to respond and defend the Ukraine, but Russia is also under treaty obligation to defend the very borders they are violating. As far as obligations; the United States, by her own Constitution, is required to come to the defense of the Ukraine defending against any aggressions by Russia or any other invasion. Fortunately, a military defense is not specifically required, thus mere economic sanctions would satisfy the requirements of the treaty even if ignoring the intended sentiment. In the end, it would be so wonderful if the media, all of them, would simply inform the American people of the pertinent facts and follow their reaction, which is guaranteed to be vehemently opposed by the minority. So, would the Americans demand action in defense of the Ukraine should Putin send his troops across their border; and if so, to what extent, sanctions, non-military aid, military equipment or actual American troops (only airstrikes or including ground assault forces)?

Biden Unable to Locate Putin

This is as if President Biden is not facing grave challenges. Well, actually he is clueless on the national difficulties but probably does face the “gravest” of threats. It is saddening watching the United States slowly spiraling towards the drain seemingly unable to take a true direction supported by the people. There appears to be a disconnect between the apparent direction taken by the government and the will of the people. The people are done with Covid, back at work unless throttled by government, and tired of foreign military entanglements. Yet, we bet given the entirety of treaty obligations, their Constitutional importance and their legal weight; they will reluctantly insist on military aid as a minimal first step, followed by air support and even troops if required. Perhaps we will see as the debate begins if anyone will stand for the truth and reality of the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.

Beyond the Cusp