On this week’s “Fox News Sunday,” Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) praised President Donald Trump’s proactive efforts to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Lankford articulated a stark contrast between Trump and other recent presidents, emphasizing that Trump is working actively, while previous administrations have been more passive.
“Right now, we want to put as many tools in the president’s hands as he possibly wants or needs in the toolbox to be able to put an end to this war,” Lankford stated. He pointed to the historical context of the conflict, reminding viewers of President Obama’s inaction during the Russian invasion of Crimea. “We go back just in the last 15 years,” Lankford noted, illustrating how foreign policy dynamics shifted from Obama to Trump to Biden.
His comments highlighted frustrations with Biden’s approach, suggesting that Trump’s administration was marked by stronger deterrence against Russian advances. Lankford’s argument centers on a narrative of missed opportunities under Biden, who he claims suggested the extent of future military engagement would depend on “how far Russia invade[s] Ukraine.” By implication, Lankford contended that this ambiguity emboldened Russia, leading to further incursions.
Lankford characterized Trump’s determination to seek an end to the conflict as consistent and focused. He stated, “President Trump is trying to be able to end this war.” The senator accused Democrats of consistently undermining Trump’s initiatives to foster peace, alleging they critique him regardless of the efforts he makes. “Every time President Trump tries to move to do something to try to end the war, Democrats will say it’s not enough or it’s the wrong thing,” he remarked, suggesting that partisan politics play a detrimental role in the pursuit of peace.
In framing Putin, Lankford underscored the challenges in dealing with what he termed “a war criminal, thug, former KGB agent.” He recognized the difficult nature of negotiating with such an adversary, noting, “Putin does not want to end this war.” The implication is clear: to confront Russian aggression effectively, the U.S. must adopt a robust and united front.
The senator emphasized that effective support for Ukraine is not merely about supplying weapons. He called for a diplomatic strategy aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution. “We’re providing the weapons systems. We’re providing the ability for Ukraine to be able to fight back,” he said, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation while pushing for a broader plan that involves European cooperation. Lankford praised Trump’s ability to unite European leaders, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to halt the bloodshed.
In conclusion, Lankford’s remarks reflect a belief in Trump’s effectiveness as a leader in foreign policy, contrasting it sharply with the current trajectory of the Biden administration. The call for more tools in Trump’s hands indicates a desire for more decisive action to bring peace, underscoring the senator’s belief that ending the conflict is both urgent and essential for the future of Ukraine as a sovereign nation.
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