Status: 06/03/2022 04:34 am
Russia has been attacking Ukraine for 100 days now. During this time, the US has done a lot to ensure that Kyiv holds out. A number of goals are being pursued in Washington.
Money, guns, ammo, intelligence. Without this help, Ukraine would long since have become Putin’s prey, John Herbst believes. What’s more: “The support of the West under American leadership has given Ukraine a chance to win.”
Herbst was US ambassador to Kyiv. Today he is director of the influential think tank Atlantic Council.
It would be ideal if Ukraine defeated Russia tomorrow. If it were to take two years, that wouldn’t be ideal. But better, Ukraine wins. A two-year war means a lot of wear and tear for Russia and also for Ukraine. We don’t want that.
Around five billion dollars in military and technical assistance
That’s why the US supplies anti-aircraft missiles, armor-piercing weapons, long-range howitzers with heavy ammunition, armored vehicles, attack helicopters, radar systems, night vision goggles, multiple rocket launchers and much more.
The Biden administration has already provided around five billion dollars in military and technical assistance. Ascending trend. Putin’s war against Ukraine does not only affect Europe, the US President explains the American support. “It is an attack on democracy and on the principles of sovereignty and territorial unity.”
Biden administration also pursues political goals
Joe Biden also justifies the US involvement in Kiev with the brutality and nefariousness of the Russian troops in Ukraine.
Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine is not just an attempt to take over Ukraine. He tries to erase the culture and identity of the Ukrainians. Attacks on schools, kindergartens, hospitals and museums only aim to wipe out a culture.
The more successfully Ukraine defends itself, the more Putin’s war reveals weaknesses in his military apparatus, the more the Biden administration is pursuing political and strategic goals with its support for Ukraine. According to John Herbst, it is no longer just about stopping Putin.
Weaken Russia – militarily and economically. If Russia pursues a civilized foreign policy, then we have no interest in a weak Russia or a weak Russian military.
Controversy over the amount of financial aid
US Secretary of State Blinken declared weeks ago that Russia is to be weakened to such an extent that it will no longer be able to attack neighboring countries. To weaken Russia means to strengthen Ukraine. The Biden administration wants to provide around 40 billion dollars for this.
57 Republicans voted against it in the House of Representatives. Ex-President Trump is also against it.
We need to spend more money on funding, recruiting and training our police force. If the United States can send $40 billion to Ukraine, then we must do everything we can to keep our children safe here.
John Herbst from the think tank Atlantic Council accuses the opponents of the aid package for Ukraine of short-sightedness.
This opposition is ignorant. They don’t realize that Putin is a threat to American interests in Europe. It serves American interests if Ukraine defeats Putin in Ukraine.
If John Herbst, the ex-US ambassador to Ukraine, had his way, the US would supply Ukraine with far more heavy and advanced weapons. In his opinion, there was no impending escalation. Above all, Putin understands and responds to language of determination and strength.
Topic overview
war in Ukraine