In 2004, when the Orange Revolution showed that Ukrainians would not stand for Russia’s interference in their country, then Secretary of State Colin Powell remarked, “A dozen years ago, Ukrainians chose freedom and independence, setting their country on a path of democracy and prosperity. The United States has been a consistent partner with Ukraine in this journey.”

That this consistency has wavered, especially along partisan lines during a time of war, would be a tragic surprise for the late diplomat and general. The Republican Party’s growing reluctance to support Ukraine stands against Powell’s views about America’s place in the world. In contrast to Powell’s doctrine of supporting action and allies with maximal effort, the U.S. has not provided Ukraine with the resources necessary for it to apply “decisive force.”