I’ve just returned to Michigan after three years in what was undeniably the most challenging role of my life – as the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. I was there to support a democratic ally fighting against Russia’s ruthless and unjustified aggression.
In my career, I’ve had the honor of serving five U.S. presidents – both Republicans and Democrats. My mission has always been to contribute to making America the strongest and most influential nation the world has ever known.
I respect the president’s constitutional right to shape U.S. foreign policy. However, this duty should always be coupled with appropriate checks and balances from Congress. For the past few years, under the Trump administration, I’ve witnessed a troubling shift: instead of exerting pressure on Russia, the aggressor, the administration seemed intent on pushing Ukraine, the victim, into a corner.
That’s why, after much reflection, I made the difficult decision to resign. I could no longer serve with integrity under a policy that I believed was damaging. After nearly 30 years of dedicated service to our country, I stepped down from my post as ambassador.
I cannot, in good conscience, stand by while a sovereign nation is invaded, while democracy is crushed, and while children are killed without consequence. Defending democracy, in my view, is the only way to safeguard U.S. interests globally. Appeasement, disguised as a pursuit of peace, is no peace at all – it’s surrender. History repeatedly shows that appeasement doesn’t lead to security or prosperity. Instead, it paves the way for more conflict and suffering.
Pure Evil
Since Russia launched its brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, it has unleashed pure evil. Thousands of civilians, including 700 children, have been killed by missiles and drones that strike their homes and schools at night. Over 150,000 war crimes have been committed, and 20,000 children have been abducted. Millions of families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in Europe and beyond.
For three years, I heard firsthand accounts, witnessed unimaginable brutality, and felt the grief of families torn apart by violence. I’ve spent decades in conflict zones, witnessing atrocities and destruction, but I have never seen anything like this before in Europe since World War II. This is a systematic, widespread, and unspeakably horrific campaign.
Why Does It Matter?
Why does Russia’s invasion of Ukraine matter to the United States? The answer is simple: how we respond will resonate far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
If we allow Putin to redraw borders by force, there’s no stopping him. Ukraine won’t be his last target. His ambitions are clear: to revive a bygone imperial era, threatening the security of NATO allies. If Putin is allowed to succeed, it will send dangerous signals to China, undermining global security. This won’t just affect Europe; it will have serious repercussions for America’s safety and prosperity.
Europe is not only our largest trading partner but also a key economic partner, with a $1.6 trillion relationship that sustains millions of jobs on both continents, including right here in Michigan. The peace and economic stability forged after World War II must be defended. Russia’s aggression risks undoing decades of progress.
The U.S. Must Lead
My grandfather, a soldier in World War II from Charlotte, Michigan, understood the sacrifices needed to protect freedom. My grandmother, who worked tirelessly to support their family, embodied the same values. They knew what it meant to do what was right, even when it was difficult.
The America I love, the country my grandparents fought for, would never stand idly by while such atrocities unfold. We would never abandon our allies, nor would we condone appeasing aggressors. We must remain true to our identity as a nation that values justice, generosity, and hard work. We are blessed with a democratic government, the world’s largest free-market economy, and the most powerful military ever known.
When America leads, the world benefits. But when we fail to lead, we risk our own security and success. This is the America I love, and it has been my privilege to serve it every day.
Though I may no longer be a diplomat, I will never stop believing in the importance of U.S. leadership – to ensure our future and to offer a beacon of hope to Michiganders, Americans, and countless others around the globe.
