In a recent interview, US House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed a diminishing appetite for further funding to support Ukraine’s war effort against Russia, according to Punchbowl News.
Johnson’s evolving stance on Ukraine aid comes at a critical time, with the war showing no signs of abating. Earlier this year, the House Speaker delayed a military aid bill meant for Ukraine by opposing the Senate’s package, which combined aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. While he eventually passed the bill with $61 billion support for Ukraine, it weakened Ukraine’s military position and hindered military operations at a critical moment in its war against Russia.
However, Johnson’s current stance appears to be evolving, according to Punchbowl News.
“I don’t have an appetite for further Ukraine funding, and I hope it’s not necessary,” he stated.
Johnson’s views on the conflict’s resolution are tied to the upcoming US presidential election. He expressed belief that a potential Trump presidency could bring the conflict to a swift end.
“If President Trump wins, I believe that he actually can bring that conflict to a close,” he said.
Johnson suggested that Trump might directly engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve the situation.
In contrast, Johnson expressed concerns about the war’s continuation under a potential Harris administration.
“If Kamala Harris is president, I don’t think it ends, and that’s a desperate and dangerous scenario,” he said.
Republicans for Ukraine, a human rights group, has given Johnson an “F” grade, indicating very low support for Ukraine. His statements have been characterized as anti-Ukrainian by some human rights activists.
Trump has consistently avoided directly supporting Ukraine’s victory in the war. In debates and interviews, when asked if he wants Ukraine to win, Trump focuses on ending the war quickly, often emphasizing that the conflict would be settled within 24 hours if he were president again. He has suggested that he would seek a deal with Russia to end the fighting, without making a clear commitment to Ukraine’s victory.
However, during his latest visit to the US to present Ukrainian victory plan, President Zelenskyy met Trump and claimed that former US President promised support for Ukraine if he were re-elected.
In contrast, Kamala Harris strongly supports Ukraine and has defended the Biden administration’s extensive military assistance to Kyiv. During debates, she accused Trump of being willing to abandon Ukraine, arguing that his quick resolution approach would mean giving in to Russian aggression.
Harris has emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine with advanced weaponry, such as air defenses and tanks, and views continued US aid as crucial to both Ukraine’s sovereignty and broader European security. She also warns that failing to support Ukraine could embolden Russia to target other countries, like Poland.
Related:
- New NATO chief Rutte ready to work with either Trump or Harris after US election, Ukraine support among priorities
- Trump avoids endorsing Ukraine’s victory in debate with Harris
- Harris rules out bilateral talks with Putin on Ukraine without Ukraine in CBS interview
- Trump, Vance, Johnson claim Zelenskyy favors Democrats
