How Congress Can Help Ukraine: The Taiwan Relations Act as a Model
This analytical article argues that the U.S. Congress should intervene to support Ukraine amidst President Donald Trump's contradictory and potentially unfavorable peace initiatives during his second term. Authors Brendan Simms and Edward Siddle highlight Trump's shift from supporting Ukrainian territorial integrity to proposing a Russia-favorable peace plan. To counterbalance executive policy, the authors propose that Congress adopt a bipartisan 'Ukraine Relations Act,' modeled after the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and the 1995 legislation lifting the Bosnian arms embargo. These historical precedents demonstrate how Congress can shape foreign policy, maintain strategic relationships, and constrain presidential discretion without infringing on diplomatic authority. The proposed act would affirm U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, provide security guarantees against Russian aggression, and strengthen Kyiv’s negotiating position. By establishing legislative commitments, Congress can prevent unilateral concessions to Russia and ensure Ukraine remains intact. The piece emphasizes the constitutional role of Congress in checking executive power regarding international conflicts and sustaining long-term strategic interests in Eastern Europe.
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How Congress Can Help Ukraine: The Taiwan Relations Act as a Model
This analytical article argues that the U.S. Congress should intervene to support Ukraine amidst President Donald Trump's contradictory and potentially unfavorable peace initiatives during his second term. Authors Brendan Simms and Edward Siddle highlight Trump's shift from supporting Ukrainian territorial integrity to proposing a Russia-favorable peace plan. To counterbalance executive policy, the authors propose that Congress adopt a bipartisan 'Ukraine Relations Act,' modeled after the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and the 1995 legislation lifting the Bosnian arms embargo. These historical precedents demonstrate how Congress can shape foreign policy, maintain strategic relationships, and constrain presidential discretion without infringing on diplomatic authority. The proposed act would affirm U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, provide security guarantees against Russian aggression, and strengthen Kyiv’s negotiating position. By establishing legislative commitments, Congress can prevent unilateral concessions to Russia and ensure Ukraine remains intact. The piece emphasizes the constitutional role of Congress in checking executive power regarding international conflicts and sustaining long-term strategic interests in Eastern Europe.
foreignaffairs