All know that a strong America is the best ally of peace—the world’s avaricious dictators of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are hesitant to invade and brutalize in the face of 1) American strength and 2) American resolve. Our tepid response to Russia’s invasion of Georgia and Crimea surely contributed to Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. American strength is greatest when we have friends that stand with us; we must not let economic squabbles fray the bonds of our alliances. American resolve is greatest when we stand with the victims of oppression and invasion. After Russia invaded Ukraine with hundreds of tanks and hundreds of thousands of troops, America - together with Europe - rallied to give Ukraine the weapons and aid to defend itself. Three years later, Russia continues its brutal assault. We must not let personal squabbles weaken our resolve to stand with the freedom fighters and to oppose the authoritarian aggressors. Lasting peace will only be achieved if America demonstrates strength and resolve and if Ukraine is certain that it will not be invaded again. Anything short of that would elicit only temporary celebration; it would open the door to global conflicts that we may be unable to contain.