Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy expressed his opposition to continued US military aid for Ukraine during a debate in Milwaukee on Thursday. He argued that providing more funding to Kiev would only push Russia and China closer together and potentially lead to a post-Zelensky warlord taking over Ukraine. Ramaswamy emphasized that the president’s primary responsibility is to prioritize American interests and that the current approach does not serve those interests.
Ramaswamy explained his concerns by drawing parallels to the aftermath of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, where the US military equipment supplied to Afghan forces fell into the hands of warlords. He warned that a similar scenario could unfold in Ukraine if the US does not intervene and cut off its funding. According to Ramaswamy, his plan to end the conflict would be in Ukraine’s best interest as it would help preserve the country’s sovereignty.
Recent polling data from CNN suggests that a majority of Republicans share Ramaswamy’s views. Seventy-one percent of Republicans surveyed oppose sending more money to the Ukrainian government, and 59% believe that the US has already done enough for Ukraine.
During the debate, Ramaswamy also criticized the allocation of US military resources towards protecting Ukraine against external threats, arguing that those resources should instead be used to secure the US southern border. He accused some of his rivals of prioritizing Ukraine over American interests, specifically calling out their visits to Ukraine while neglecting other areas within the US.
This statement sparked heated responses from former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former vice president Mike Pence, and Nikki Haley. The three individuals, who have recently visited Ukraine, defended their actions and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine as a frontline defense for the US. They questioned Ramaswamy’s foreign policy experience and accused him of overlooking the significance of Ukraine in global security.
In terms of the GOP primary polls, Ramaswamy currently holds the third position, behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. However, he surpasses Pence, Haley, and Christie in popularity. On the other hand, former president Donald Trump, who did not attend the debate, remains the frontrunner for the party’s nomination with 56% support. Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the Biden administration’s financial support for the Ukrainian government, promising to end the conflict within 24 hours.
In summary, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy spoke out against continued US military aid for Ukraine during a debate in Milwaukee. He argued that providing more funding could lead to negative consequences and align Russia and China further. Ramaswamy’s opposition to funding Ukraine reflects the views of a majority of Republicans, as shown by recent polling data. Despite facing criticism from his rivals, Ramaswamy maintains his stance and positions himself as a contender in the GOP primary polls, while former president Donald Trump continues to be the frontrunner.
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