Why Ukraine's leader rushed to Washington
Ten months ago, few believed Ukraine could not only survive war for 300 days but also deal humiliating setbacks to the Russian army. But after sending three aid packages totaling $21 billion, in a year of spiking inflation and with an economy teetering on the brink of recession, US leaders are now beset by questions on Kyiv’s latest request package.
Can Ukraine win outright on the battlefield? Even if it can, can America afford to foot the bill? These questions have assumed a political dimension, as continued support for Ukraine has grown increasingly unpopular among Republicans, who will have a narrow majority in the new House of Representatives soon to be sworn in. President Joe Biden will no longer be able to rush funding through Congress as before.
Why aren’t all Republicans eager to play ball with Zelensky? During the Cold War era, the GOP took a hard line against Russian expansionism, albeit in the form of Soviet Communism. But now an “America First” wing has gained ascendancy, hearkening back to the old Republican position before World War II. That wing took power during the administration of Donald Trump, who was blunt about his reluctance to contribute to NATO and to America’s traditional postwar role of protecting Europe.
Some members of this wing even see Putin as someone the US can deal with. Maybe not as an ally, but as a negotiating partner. “Wouldn’t it be great if the US and Russia could get along?” Trump used to ask. For those Republican members, there’s little to no reason to poke the Russian bear. Other Republicans are on board with supporting Ukraine, but believe current funding levels already exceed what the US should give a country that is not a major ally.
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