Recent writers assert that congressional Republicans are holding up funding for a proxy war in Ukraine. Funding which they assert the majority of Americans support. I wonder if these writers and others have considered if funding a war against Russia is in our national best interests or if it is wise?

What are the USA’s national interests in Ukraine? Is spreading or saving democracy a national interest?

The USA just retreated from and surrendered Afghanistan after 20 years of effort. Now, President Biden wants to fight Russia through Ukraine. Is that wise?

What would that look like? What does the Biden administration want to accomplish?

Biden told the world that the USA has three strategic objectives. They are to help Ukraine achieve victory, to punish Russia economically, and to fortify NATO. Is this attempt at making the world safer for democracy in Ukraine as wise as Biden would like us to believe?

Few, some or many Republicans are unsure it is. Before Biden and his supporters go too far down this path, some would suggest that they read the lessons learned from our recent experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. Think carefully before sending more aid to Ukraine

Biden’s first objective is helping Ukraine defeat Russia. Assuming that is even possible, what will that cost Americans? What are our risks? What do we gain? Other than raising American taxes to fund increased spending, how will Biden achieve that end? Can the USA afford the costs of these ever-consumed weapons, ammunition, material and cash? Is there any evidence that our past expenditures of weapons, munitions and cash are defeating the Russians?

What is our risk when the U.S. exhausts our material stockpiles? What tripwires may result in the expansion of this war? What action or inaction may cause the Russian use of nuclear weapons (God forbid)?

Given the USA moved more than 10,000 U.S. soldiers into Poland, will defeating Russia make Americans safer, more secure and more prosperous, or will Biden’s objective only bring us into armed conflict, weakening the USA economically, militarily and politically? Is Biden willing to expend the blood and lives of our young men and women in this pursuit?

Biden asserts it is in the USA’s national interest to punish Russia economically (we are the world’s policemen, right?). After two-plus years of U.S. and European sanctions on Russia, have we seen any evidence these sanctions are shutting down the Russian economy or eliminating Russia’s ability to fight the war? If these sanctions are not working, what is Biden’s next step? Boots on the ground?

Speaking of boots on the ground, Biden tells us that it is also in the USA’s national interest to fortify NATO. Really?

Russia is already bogged down in Ukraine. It is hemorrhaging both manpower and equipment. It does not pose an imminent threat of invasion in NATO territory. Yet, NATO members, Belgium and France, have moved thousands of troops into Romania. The German military are manning bases in and providing advanced weapons to the Baltic states. Sweden and Finland joined NATO. They, too, are increasing their military capabilities.

In Poznan, Poland, the U.S. military recently established a permanent base to “enhance deterrence.” From Putin’s perspective, would it not be reasonable to consider that perhaps NATO may be preparing to invade?

What will Putin’s response be to this military buildup targeted at Russia? Like other wars, the road to hell is paved with good intentions … and human tragedy.

When considering that Biden’s actions are moving us toward a war, I am glad the congressional Republicans are being deliberate. We cannot depend on Biden’s judgment alone. Congressional Republicans have a duty to avoid funding potential blunders like those past presidents made in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Funny thing about war. It is chaotic and uncontrollable. Biden may think he can control what happens in Ukraine, but that is folly. For too long, we have lost too many soldiers fighting for leaders who think America can solve the world’s problems.

While I have empathy for the Ukrainians, I am glad congressional Republicans are critically thinking about this funding before President Biden sends American men and women to fight and die in another foreign war. I am not willing to sacrifice my children’s lives for Ukraine. Are you willing to sacrifice yours?

Bob Hoelscher
Retired Colonel, U.S. Army
DeLand