The Compass and the Swamp: Navigating Morality and Practicality in Ukraine’s War

When Abraham Lincoln was wrestling with the moral and logistical dilemmas associated with the passage of the 13th Amendment, he used a compelling metaphor: that of a compass pointing True North, yet giving no advice about the swamps and deserts that lie along the path. Lincoln’s compass symbolized the moral clarity of his mission — to abolish slavery — while the swamp represented the litany of practical challenges and political realities he had to navigate to turn that moral imperative into law. The metaphor eloquently captures the tension between doing what is right and doing what is feasible, a tension that transcends time and context. Today, it resonates with another complex struggle, halfway across the world, as Ukraine fights to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression.

The Compass: A Nation’s Unyielding Moral Core

For Ukraine, the compass points toward the unambiguous goals of defending its territory and maintaining its sovereignty. There is a prevailing sense, especially among Ukrainians, that they have a moral right to live in a nation that is free from external coercion. This is the “True North” that guides government decisions, military strategy, and indeed, the resolve of the citizenry. Yet, in the harsh reality of war, Ukraine faces a myriad of “swamps” that make the straightforward journey to this destination a perilous trek.

Swamps: A Minefield of Ethical and Practical Challenges

Lack of resources and international support, coupled with internal corruption and division, are just a few of the obstacles Ukraine must contend with. However, one particularly murky swamp that the Ukrainian government must navigate is its relationship with paramilitary groups, such as the Azov Regiment. These units have emerged, to a large extent, out of necessity. As volunteer militias, they filled the gaps left by a regular military ill-equipped and perhaps insufficiently motivated to stave off the separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. Yet, these groups are not just makeshift army units; they come with their own ideological baggage — often ultra-nationalist or far-right ideologies that risk undermining Ukraine’s democratic values and international standing.

The Two-Edged Sword of Paramilitary Units

These paramilitary groups serve as both an asset and a liability. On one hand, they bolster the ranks, bring combat experience, and even enjoy domestic support. Their contribution to Ukraine’s war effort cannot be easily dismissed. On the other hand, they present an ethical quagmire. Reports of war crimes, human rights abuses, and political violence are serious charges that cannot be ignored.

Thus, Ukraine finds itself in a Lincoln-esque quandary. Just as the 16th President of the United States had to balance the moral aim of abolition with the tactical need to keep a divided nation together, Ukraine must balance the urgent need for military manpower with the ethical imperative to maintain the rule of law and protect human rights.

Striking a Balance: The Perilous Art of Governance in Wartime

What is the way forward, then, for Ukraine? How does it listen to its compass without getting stuck in the swamp? The Ukrainian government has to walk a tightrope. Cooperation with paramilitary units seems unavoidable, at least in the immediate future, but so too does regulation. These units must be held to the same legal and ethical standards as official military organizations, and mechanisms must be put in place to ensure accountability.

Moreover, international actors must recognize the complexity of Ukraine’s position. Blanket sanctions or withdrawal of support based on the actions of these paramilitary groups could push Ukraine further into the swamp, hindering its ability to reach its True North.

Conclusion: The Ever-Relevant Wisdom of Lincoln’s Metaphor

Lincoln’s compass and swamp metaphor remains enduringly relevant because it captures the essence of the ethical and practical dilemmas that leaders must resolve. Just as Lincoln couldn’t ignore the political realities of his time, Ukraine can’t afford to turn a blind eye to the complex landscape it must traverse. Yet, if the end goal — True North — is clear and non-negotiable, the journey, however fraught, is not just a political or military challenge but a moral imperative. Therefore, in pursuit of this imperative, Ukraine must continue to find its way through the swamp, without losing sight of its compass.