Russia’s victory will cost U.S. seven times more than preventing it – Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Montreal

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"I believe the strongest argument to convince the U.S. to stand with Ukraine is that ensuring Ukraine's victory is the best guarantee of global security and peace. A report from the American Enterprise Institute earlier this year stated that by aiding Ukraine, Washington is preventing a direct war between NATO and Moscow — one that would require U.S. troops to fight. Given the current focus on war costs, this think tank provided key figures: since 2022, the U.S. Congress has allocated $112 billion to the Department of Defense to support Ukraine," he said.

Czolij argues that financial concerns and the long-term cost of inaction could push the U.S. to make the right decision.

"$112 billion is a huge sum, no doubt, but this think tank also projected that maintaining security in a world where Russia defeats Ukraine could cost the U.S. an additional $808 billion in defense spending over five years. Their report concluded that allowing Russia to win would cost the U.S. about seven times more than stopping it now. That’s why these arguments need to be heard. And I believe the U.S. will ultimately make the right call and stand with Ukraine," Czolij added.

U.S.-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia

On March 11, the Ukrainian and American delegations met in Jeddah, following which Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, and the United States agreed to immediately resume intelligence sharing and security assistance.

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “the ball is now in Russia’s court” after Ukraine agreed to the proposed ceasefire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, stating that Russia is currently studying the statements made following the March 11 talks between the United States and Ukraine.

White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said after talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia that President Donald Trump has decided to cancel the pause in military aid to Ukraine immediately. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has confirmed that President Donald Trump has canceled the pause in intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Trump expressed hope that Russia would agree to a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine.

The EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, welcomed the joint statement by Ukraine and the United States following the negotiations and expressed readiness to participate fully in the steps to achieve peace.

On March 12, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American representatives are already heading to Russia for a meeting regarding a ceasefire.