Former CIA head Petraeus warns of broader Russian aggression, urges quick aid for Ukraine
"The question is not whether we should help Ukraine, but when and how quickly," asserts General Petraeus. As both the former head of the CIA between 2011 and 2012, and a commander of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, he is confident that Congress will soon ratify an assistance package for Ukraine, which is currently fighting an enemy force.
6:26 AM EST, January 8, 2024
Indeed, the General feels that the proposed support amount—which has been discussed to be roughly $44 billion, possibly more—is paltry compared to the American defense budget. He believes this amount could significantly impact the war's outcome and help halt the Russians before a natural disaster occurs.
Should Russia claim victory in Ukraine, the General is confident that other countries would be next in line for attack.
The battle in Ukraine has raged for two years now, and despite Russians' continual assault, which Petraeus has described as "brutal and completely unprovoked," Ukrainian forces have weathered the storm to some degree. However, as the Ukrainians' counteroffensive in the east has stagnated, the Russian threat is reemerging.
This is partly due to decreased support from the West and an increased mobilization of Russia.
"We must help Ukraine prevail. If we allow Russia to achieve their goals, they could soon move against Moldova, possibly the Baltic countries, and other targets," General Petraeus warned during an interview on CNN. He also confirmed that supporting Ukraine would not necessarily be a costly endeavor.
The discussed assistance package is estimated to be around $44 billion.
While General Petraeus acknowledges this is a significant sum, he contends that it pales compared to the entirety of the United States defense budget. Pulling from his professional expertise, he believes a relatively low-cost intervention could stop the Russians. However, if Ukraine were to lose this war, Moscow may go on the offensive again, and the situation would then become much more complex.
He points to Moldova, the Baltic countries, or others on NATO's eastern flank as potential targets. This could necessitate the deployment of substantial U.S. Army forces in Europe, possibly resulting in a far more serious and bloody conflict—and consequently, billions of dollars spent to combat Vladimir Putin's army. Petraeus, however, remains hopeful that Republicans and Democrats will agree in Congress and provide assistance to Kyiv.
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If this doesn't occur, the repercussions could be severe. "Russia will not stop. We need to act now," emphasizes the decorated officer.
