A deadly Russian drone strike hit Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, this week, killing three people and injuring at least 31 others, including six children. The attack destroyed two apartment buildings and set off fires in a residential neighborhood. Thirteen people had to be rescued from upper floors of a burning building. This is only the latest in a long series of attacks that show how the war in Ukraine is far from over—and why it continues to carry serious risks for the United States and our allies.
According to Ukraine’s military, Russia launched 101 drones during the night. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 90 of them. But even with most of the drones destroyed in the air, some still got through. Debris from the downed drones caused fires and damage in several areas, including a nine-story apartment building that caught fire after being hit. It’s clear these attacks are aimed at breaking the spirit of the Ukrainian people. President Volodymyr Zelensky said it clearly: “Every Russian strike is an attempt to inflict as much damage as possible on ordinary life.”
This is not an isolated event. Zelensky said that in just the past week, Russia has used nearly 1,200 attack drones, more than 1,360 guided bombs, and over 50 missiles against Ukraine. That’s a massive amount of firepower. These attacks are happening almost daily. And while both sides deny targeting civilians, the results speak for themselves. Thousands have died since the war began in February 2022, most of them Ukrainians.
So why should Americans care about this faraway war? Because it is about more than just Ukraine. It’s about whether aggressive nations like Russia can redraw borders by force. If Russia is allowed to crush Ukraine, it sends a message to other dictators and rogue states—like China, Iran, or North Korea—that they can do the same. That’s a direct threat to the global order that has kept wars away from America’s shores for generations.
There’s also the matter of Russia’s growing partnership with countries hostile to U.S. interests. Iran is supplying drones to Russia. China is helping Russia evade sanctions and may be sharing technology that helps Moscow keep its war machine running. North Korea has reportedly sent artillery shells to Russia in exchange for food and fuel. These alliances are not just about Ukraine. They are about building a new axis of authoritarian power meant to rival the United States and its allies.
President Trump has made clear that America must reevaluate its role in this conflict. Endless wars are not in our interest, and Ukraine must take more responsibility for its own defense. At the same time, we cannot ignore the national security implications of a Russian victory. A weakened NATO, a stronger Russia-China-Iran alliance, and a world where borders no longer matter would be a disaster for U.S. security.
That’s why American policymakers face a difficult task. We must support our allies without getting dragged into another forever war. We must pressure our European partners to do more and spend more on their own defense. And we must stop sending blank checks to Kyiv without clear goals or oversight.
The drone strike on Kyiv is a reminder that this war is still active, still dangerous, and still full of consequences for the rest of the world. As Americans, we must watch closely—not just out of concern for innocent lives overseas—but because what happens in Ukraine could one day affect the safety and freedom of families right here at home. The world is watching to see how America responds. Weakness now could invite much greater danger later.