President Donald Trump gave Vladimir Putin a chance, but he has proven once again he is a war criminal and a ruthless tyrant, wholly uninterested in ending his brutal invasion of Ukraine. That’s why I commend the president’s decision to call out Putin’s “b*******” and rearm Ukraine.
Back in the day, I had the privilege and honor to command America’s first-ever B-2 stealth bomber squadron at Whiteman Air Base, Missouri — the very base used for the heroic strikes on Iran’s illicit nuclear program last month. If there’s one thing I learned from over three decades in the military and nearly 3,000 military flight hours, America’s enemies respond to strength, not retreat.
Trump clearly understands that — and his decision to pursue a peace through strength foreign policy by striking Iran and rearming Ukraine, makes clear to the Ayatollah Khamenei, Putin, and other tyrants around the world, that America will continue to defend our freedoms and national security interests.
And make no mistake, supporting Ukraine is deeply in our own interest.
Ukraine is not just a partner nation — it is a European democracy turned upside down after years of missiles and bullets terrorizing and destroying homes, schools, and entire neighborhoods. Ukraine is the dam holding back a wannabe tsar who seeks to rebuild a fantasy Soviet empire far beyond Ukraine.
Putin’s ambition is to rewrite the rules that have kept the world relatively stable since World War II. If he is not stopped, he will continue to test and stress American resolve and expand his influence. His warped message to the world is dangerous and clear: Borders are flexible, democracies are fragile, and the United States no longer sustains the rules as a global leader.
When Putin repeatedly failed to conquer Ukraine militarily, despite increasingly brutal war criminal tactics, he then moved to destroy it politically, economically, with a sheer relentless pursuit. His goal is to destroy the morale of the Ukrainian people and wear the country down until it collapses from within. That’s why I firmly believe military support to Ukraine is essential.
Leading our airmen taught me firsthand strength depends on more than firepower. You also need staying power. That’s why continued U.S. economic and humanitarian assistance programs — alongside our security assistance — are vital, along with the weapons we provide to friends and allies.
Supporting Ukraine and our partners is not an act of charity; it is a strategic imperative and a matter of national interest. Either we promote stability and help countries defend themselves today — or we face the possibility of sending American troops to fight and die on foreign soil tomorrow.
Ukraine also holds significant reserves of critical minerals that will play a central role in the future of global supply chains. Trump has already taken significant steps toward securing a new partnership of those resources, but that opportunity depends on Ukraine’s survival as a sovereign, stable nation.
Trump understands what is at stake. His recent comments reflect an essential principle. Tyrannical leaders like Putin only respond to strength and resolve. That kind of clarity is exactly what American foreign policy needs right now. Threats overseas do not stay overseas on their own. If we turn inward, we will eventually face the consequences here at home.
Distressingly, that’s precisely what policymakers are considering, and Congress should reject proposals that cut resources for diplomacy and international assistance and reduce our national security footprint around the world. Doing so rewards our enemies and increases the risk of war with adversaries. Reversing years of bipartisan investment would send the worst possible signal to Putin and his allies, especially as Moscow stands up its own development assistance effort that copies America’s model of partnership around the world.
Trump’s call to rearm Ukraine is a reminder American leadership has real value. When we step back, others fill the vacuum, and those others do not share our values.
RETHINKING RUSSIAGATE IN THE SHADOW OF THE EPSTEIN FILES
To maintain freedom, we must be prepared to defend it.
We should continue to provide support for Ukraine and our allies with every diplomatic, economic, and military tool at our disposal. Anything less invites chaos and consequences far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Richard Y. Newton III is a retired Air Force Lieutenant General and former USAF Assistant Vice Chief of Staff. He served 34 years on active duty.