Three years ago today, Putin’s Russia launched its all-out assault on Ukraine. Many expected Russia to take the country in a matter of days — to crush Ukraine, to subjugate it once more, to wrench Ukraine back into an empire ruled by Moscow. Instead, the Ukrainians stood on their feet and fought. They have provided a historic example of bravery and patriotism. They are doing everything they can to defend their country, their independence — their very right to exist. I admire them. I hope they succeed. Their most important ally, the United States, seems to be going in another direction now. Still, the Ukrainians deserve to succeed.

In these three years, some people have asked me, “Why do you care so much about Ukraine? Why should we? Why is it so important?” I answered, as best I could, in an article published in September 2023, here.

Last month, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Roman Shvartsman addressed the German parliament. He is a leader of the Jewish community in Ukraine. (Of course, the president of the country is himself Jewish.) Shvartsman was born in 1936. He told the German parliament, “Back then, Hitler wanted to kill me for being Jewish. Now Putin is trying to kill me for being Ukrainian.” He had a warning, for people in the world at large: “Those who believe Putin will be happy with just Ukraine are wrong.”

The Ukraine war will “end,” yes. All wars do. But on what terms? Ukrainians and others know something very well, from horrific experience: There is nothing peaceful about Russian occupation.

And the idea that Putin would be sated if he swallowed Ukraine, even the whole of it — is fanciful. Balts, Poles, and many others know this. They know a line must be drawn.

Three years after the anticipated three-day conquest, the Ukrainians are still standing. Again, a stunning example of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism.

I once asked Charles Krauthammer, “Will Israel survive?” He said, “The survival of Israel depends on two things: the will of the people to survive and the support of the United States.” I have thought the same is true of Ukraine. The will of Ukrainians to survive is manifest. It has been demonstrated day after day. The support of the United States is in serious question. Can other countries take our place? And what if we are not merely neutral or indifferent but hostile?

These are momentous days. Spare a thought for the Ukrainians, and for the fortunes of freedom in general, which involve not a few.