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Failing to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia would exact a heavy cost on U.S. economic and security interests, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at a press briefing Dec. 8.
"If you think the cost of supporting Ukraine is high now, think about...how high it’s going to be in national treasure and in American blood if we have to start acting on our Article Five commitments," Kirby said.
Funding for Ukraine has been stymied by partisan politics in Congress, with Republican legislators refusing to approve continued aid unless Democrats agree to heightened restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Kirby said that political controversy over aid to Ukraine was "a great gift to Vladimir Putin."
"He’s been banking on that kind of a development since early on in this war," Kirby said, referring to the Russian dictator.
Article Five of the North Atlantic Treaty requires member nations to consider armed attacks on any member nation as attacks on the entire alliance, and render immediate military assistance.
Ukraine has lobbied for NATO membership, but the Alliance has not issued an invitation or set a timeline for Ukraine's accession.
"If [Putin] gets Ukraine, he gets right up against the doorstep of NATO," Kirby said at the briefing.
"If you care about our national security, you ought to see Mr. Putin for what he is, you ought to see Russia for what it is, and realize that helping Ukraine — and they’re not asking for boots on the ground — helping them win this war is very much in our national security interest and in the national security interest of all our allies in Europe."
Kirby was also asked to comment on Putin's announcement that he would participate in Russia's March 2024 presidential elections, seeking a fifth term.
"Well, that’s going to be one humdinger of a horse race, isn’t it?" he said.
Darkiedarkk on December 9th, 2023 at 19:48 UTC »
Funny how Americans who are against spending on Ukraine ignore the fact we spend billions on military for no reason.
LAKnightYEAH2023 on December 9th, 2023 at 17:15 UTC »
This isn’t even a costly proposition! We’re largely giving Ukraine weaponry and ammunition that was slated for removal and replacement, and we’re investing most of this money in building more new stuff for our own military. The majority of that money is going to US arms manufacturers, and generating American jobs.
And, we’re supporting a democracy that seeks to deepen its relationship with the US and the EU. Best yet, they’re using all that old equipment to preserve their sovereign nation AND defeat America’s greatest geopolitical rival… which happens to own Republicans.
It’s a win all around. I wish more people understood this.
Animalpoop on December 9th, 2023 at 16:08 UTC »
It saddens me beyond belief that the U.S has to deal with a contingent of their politicians that need to throw a monkey wrench in everything just to play partisan politics.