Should the U.S. Continue to Support Ukraine’s War Effort?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with this essential question: Is there a limit to how much a nation should support its allies?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether the U.S. should continue sending aid to Ukraine to fight Russia’s invasion. The issue is timely because a growing number of lawmakers object to continuing to fund Ukraine’s defense and many Americans believe the U.S. is doing too much.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Both authors are members of Congress, which is responsible for deciding whether federal funds should be used to support the Ukrainian defense effort.)

• Analyze Romney’s view. (Romney argues for continuing support for Ukraine. He says that our current level of aid has mutually benefited Ukraine and the U.S., and he warns that a Russian victory could inspire future aggression, including a potential invasion by China of Taiwan, which would put U.S. national interests at risk.)

• Analyze Vance’s view. (Vance argues for stopping support. He says the war is endless and supporting Ukraine distracts us from more important issues, including human trafficking and defending Taiwan from possible invasion. He also cites Russia’s nuclear weapons as a reason not to be involved.)

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Should the U.S. continue to support Ukraine’s war effort? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate.

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.