The chairman of the intelligence committee of the lower house of the US Congress said on Tuesday that there is “overwhelming” support in the United States to continue to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Despite opposition from a faction of his Republican Party, Michael Turner, who heads the upper chamber charged with overseeing US intelligence, secured that assurance during a visit to Kiev along with three other Republican congressmen.
“There are people on the left and right who question the continuity of aid or the amount of aid. That will certainly be part of the debate. But there is overwhelming support for continued aid to Ukraine so that it can continue to fight against these aggression from Russia.” said Turner.
The trip to the Ukrainian capital was the latest effort by Republicans in the lower house of Congress, who are laying the groundwork for further US aid but facing opposition within their own ranks.
Emboldened by former President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach, some Republicans seen as more right-wing in the party are calling for a halt to aid to Ukraine, creating the potential for a political battle over the choice of the future presidential candidate.
For example, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a likely rival to Trump for the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination, recently suggested that defending Ukraine in a “territorial dispute” with Russia was not a major US national security priority. . He later reversed his position after criticism from other party members.
As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, Rep. Chris Stewart, another congressman on this visit to Kyiv, said he believed the American people would continue to support aid as long as American resources were used judiciously.
“War Will Take Some Time”said Stewart, who also sits on the intelligence committee, “which isn’t surprising. I think the American people understand that, as long as they feel like progress is being made in being careful with money and thinking about how it’s spent. American resources.”
Another member of the delegation, Deputy Darin LaHood, stated that the visit to Ukraine was to observe the situation on the grounds of the “illegal and unprovoked war launched by [Vladimir]Putin, Russian President.
This, he said, “It will help us when we need to make decisions about more funding and additional support for this conflict.”
Also in Kiev to underline the importance of supporting Ukraine was former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is on the long list of potential Republican candidates for the presidential nomination.
At an event hosted by Ukrainian businessman Victor Pinchuk, when asked about dissenting voices in the United States, Pompeo said the Ukrainian president was “asking for equipment to shape and support Ukraine’s efforts.
Source: DN
