As NATO leaders and other key officials gather in Washington this week to commemorate the alliance’s 75th anniversary, they must avoid talk of celebration. The world is in turmoil, and they must focus hard on explaining to their various agitated and unsure constituents what their strategy really is for the Ukraine War.

At present, the war is basically stuck, but there is more momentum on the Russian side in terms of battlefield territory, political developments in relevant key countries and long-term demographic and economic factors. Under these circumstances, it makes little sense to keep repeating the tired mantra that we will help Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” That is not a strategy.

Nor is President Biden’s broader campaign slogan of “let’s finish the job.” Biden and his team, whether or not he stays in the race, have done their fair share of the job to date, but there is no clarity at all on where we are now heading.

In terms of ensuring Ukrainian survival and sovereignty, we should help Ukraine for as long as it takes. Indeed, NATO leaders and voters on both sides of the Atlantic (as well as Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand — all also represented at the summit) should take pride in what they have helped Ukraine do so far. It was crucial that Russia be prevented from taking over the country, or stealing most of its territory and resources, when Vladimir Putin launched his unconscionable and unprovoked invasion 29 months........

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