Senator Lindsey Graham warned that abandoning Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia would be worse than Afghanistan. He expressed concerns over the U.S. halting intelligence sharing, which is vital for Ukraine’s defense, amidst shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia aim to explore peace terms and economic cooperation that could influence future U.S. support for Ukraine.
Lindsey Graham, a Republican Senator from South Carolina, recently warned that abandoning Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia would be “worse than Afghanistan”. This statement underscores his long-standing support for Ukraine, which has received billions in U.S. military and humanitarian assistance since Russia’s invasion over three years ago. Amid reports of U.S. policy shifts under former President Donald Trump, Graham’s comments have raised concerns about the future of American support for Ukraine.
The context of Graham’s warning stems from the recent U.S. administration’s decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine, following a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This suspension has created apprehension as U.S. and NATO intelligence has been critical in guiding Ukraine’s military efforts against Russian advances. National security adviser Mike Waltz has indicated that this pause is part of a broader reevaluation of U.S.-Ukraine relations, which could affect future military aid.
In an interview with Fox News, Graham expressed his concern about cutting off support, stating, “If we pull the plug on Ukraine it would be worse than Afghanistan.” He emphasized the need to provide Ukraine with the necessary intelligence and resources to defend itself effectively while the conflict persists. This statement refers to the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, which allowed the Taliban to regain power swiftly, prompting a humanitarian crisis.
Trump’s administration is reportedly reassessing its overall approach to Ukraine, including new sanctions on Russia amid ongoing attacks. Trump has publicly urged Ukraine to accept the terms of negotiations while voicing frustration over Ukraine’s responsiveness to peace talks. Zelensky has expressed a desire for swift progress towards peace while indicating readiness to collaborate with U.S. and European partners.
The upcoming negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia are intended to outline a potential peace agreement and explore economic securities that could facilitate aid repayments through mining rights for rare earth minerals in Ukraine. With significant geopolitical implications, these discussions will shape future U.S. support for Ukraine and the broader response to Russian aggression.
In summary, Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks emphasize the critical nature of U.S. support for Ukraine amidst cautionary signals about potential policy shifts under former President Trump. The suspension of intelligence sharing raises concerns about Ukraine’s defense capabilities, echoing fears of a scenario reminiscent of Afghanistan. As negotiations continue in Saudi Arabia, the discussions will be pivotal in determining the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and broader security dynamics in Eastern Europe.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
