Responding to Jack Bergman’s letter to me of  April 25, about this administration’s position on Ukraine. The centerpiece, is the withdrawal of U.S. military support, and an appeasement “peace” plan that includes ceding 20% of Ukraine to Russia. In 1938, British Prime Minister Chamberlain agreed to give part of Czechoslovakia to Germany in an attempt to avoid a larger war. This led to Germany’s invasion of Poland and  the start of World War II. A history lesson, Jack.

Bergman stated he wants a peace plan “that maintains an independent Ukraine …. and  preserves Ukrainian sovereignty.” Ceding  a fifth of Ukraine to Russia does not maintain Ukrainian pre-war sovereignty or an independent Ukraine. Putin breached an internationally recognized border and fired the first shot against civilians in his war against an independent country, that posed no threat to Russia. This is never acceptable. 

Bergman never types the word “Putin” in his letter. Putin  bombs children in schools, hospitals, restaurants and homes. This, even after peace talks with Trump. We should now use the frozen Russian assets for Ukraine to buy defensive weapons from the U.S.and boost our own economy.This would be an entirely appropriate negative feedback for Russia and a movement toward justice for Ukraine at no cost to the U.S.

Ukraine, with the help of the U.S. and allies, has been very effective at fighting a “superpower” to a stalemate against overwhelming odds. Zelensky has used our aid to significantly weaken Putin’s military and economy. Ukraine has become  an impressive military power in its own right. Their lead in drone warfare can be valuable to the U.S. and allies. They just need our help a little longer! 

It is in America’s national security and economic interest to see that Ukraine prevails in pushing Russia back into its own country. China is watching.