Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago, on February 24, 2022. Since that time, the war has devastated Ukraine; the West has also gotten increasingly involved, sending over weaponry and stating strong support.
This includes a recent visit by President Joe Biden to reaffirm American support and continuing massive funding for Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Though not everyone sees the conflict as something that America can continue to support without question.
This recently came to a fork in the road when Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy told Zelensky something he’s rarely heard from any Western leader: no.
McCarthy Says No Thanks To Zelensky’s Invite
The Republican Party is currently in a heated debate about whether the US government should keep sending so much money to Ukraine. Biden has made it clear he’ll keep sending money for as long as it takes, but not everyone is on board.
For his part, Zelensky says unless the US keeps sending enough money, as well as EU countries, their “sons” will eventually be dying on the battlefield against Russia.
Zelensky says people like McCarthy who head up more skeptical parties need to come take a look at the on-the-ground reality and understand the threat and horror Ukraine is facing from Russia.
McCarthy said no thanks. He has been consistent that tens of billions going to Ukraine need to have much more scrutiny and oversight from US lawmakers about exactly where it’s all heading.
Prior to the war, Ukraine was widely reported and regarded as one of the most corrupt countries on earth.
CNN: Speaker McCarthy Declines Zelensky’s Invitation to Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Gx1Le5n6NG
— Alexandra Datig | Front Page Index 🇺🇸 (@alexdatig) March 9, 2023
‘No Blank Checks’
When asked by CNN about why he won’t go to Ukraine, McCarthy said he’s been consistent about his belief.
He doesn’t believe in handing any “blank checks” to Ukraine and going there won’t change his understanding of what’s happening. McCarthy said he’s already getting “briefings” about the war and is aware of what’s going on.
Whereas he reaffirmed it will not change his firm conviction that handing so much money to Ukraine without more oversight is the wrong move.
McCarthy is reflecting the overall turn in the GOP, whose America First members are asking that much more be done to look at where the money to Ukraine is going and whether there is any fraud or waste involved.
The World Bank, which is overseeing the process, has said there is no sign of any mismanagement of funds. Ukraine insists that the money is going towards caring for refugees and the war effort.
McCarthy has REJECTED Zelensky’s Invite To Ukraine.
DO YOU SUPPORT THIS? pic.twitter.com/dNrCHWiJge
— Lori Deers🇺🇸 (@Liana53160) March 9, 2023
The Bottom Line
Did McCarthy do the right thing here or should he have gone to Ukraine to take a closer look at what is going on and have more of an influence on the ground?
