Ukraine War Skepticism Grows in Congress

What’s happening: A senior Pentagon official was critiqued in a congressional hearing by Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) — an ardent Ukraine aid supporter, and by Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) — a Ukraine aid skeptic, for dodging questions over whether the Crimean Peninsula must return to Ukraine.

• A “ridiculous thing”: Smith was particularly vocal about the Biden administration deferring to Ukraine regarding peace negotiations. He said, “When we are spending so much money over there, we have a say” in diplomacy.

Why it matters: A pro-Ukraine Democrat making the case that Ukraine should be compelled to cede territory demonstrates the increasing magnitude of Ukraine aid skepticism.

Why there is frustration: Early in the war, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contrived a “Peace Formula.” Terms include Russia returning all seized territory and paying for all damages — essentially impossible goals. Yet the Biden administration refused to rebuke the plan, saying instead, “it’s up to Ukraine” when negotiations should begin.

• Keep in mind: The U.S. has given Ukraine at least $75 billion in aid, not including the $60 billion package under consideration. Exact numbers are difficult to obtain.

Hurting support: The prospect of the war slipping into a stalemate is fueling skepticism on both sides of the Atlantic. Ukraine aid supporters are concerned that demanding impossible results will further heighten skepticism.

• Outside of Congress: According to the latest Gallup poll, 75 percent of Democrats support helping Ukraine reclaim all land, compared to 45 percent of Republicans and 47 percent of independents.