Amid Russia’s unjustified war on Ukraine, thousands of women and children are sheltering in subway platforms for days at a time. Others are fleeing with as much of their belongings as they can fit into a suitcase. Russian attacks have flattened entire cities and destroyed schools, churches, and even children’s hospitals. Russia has already destroyed well over $100 billion worth of Ukrainian assets, and most of the country’s businesses have closed, while the others operate at reduced capacity. Most tragically, civilians are being killed at alarming rates.

The Ukrainian people are valiantly resisting this unprovoked Russian war, but they cannot do it alone. For decades, the United States has been a beacon of hope for people who have fought for their liberty and independence from authoritarian regimes, providing those who seek freedom with the optimism, courage, and resilience to defend democracy. The Ukrainian people are the best reflection of this, and we, as Americans, should lead by delivering them the humanitarian relief they desperately need.