DeSantis later on Ukraine, Is this OK?
Laffey on Ukraine
“1) Is opposing Russia in Ukraine a vital American national strategic interest?
“If vital American national strategic interest is defined as ‘…to include national security, public safety, national economic security, the safe and reliable functioning of ‘critical infrastructure,’ and the availability of key resources,’ then the answer is yes—especially in the long term.”
2) What specifically is our objective in Ukraine, and how will we know when we’ve achieved it?
“Lower the Russian security threat to both Europe and USA. Meanwhile, we send a strong message to other countries: America, stands for freedom, and stands with others who will fight for their freedom, and support the global cause of freedom.”
3) What is the limit of funding and material you would be willing to send to the government of Ukraine?
“We have largely been sending older, dated material and weapons so far. We will have to supply more, as the ‘mud season’ ends in May. Most importantly we will have to get NATO countries to realize that in order for their countries to survive, they will have to raise their level of defense spending to 5-10% of GDP. As President I would set strict dates for this goal to be achieved. Former President Trump did the best he could on that issue, with what he was given; unfortunately, he was not successful.”
4) Should the United States support regime change in Russia?
“No. The Russians can take care of that themselves and history shows that they have at times, and sometimes very quickly and sometimes unexpectedly. Regime change after WWI happened very quickly. After the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Khrushchev was ousted in 1964. Gorbachev lost power after his reforms led to the collapse of Communist governments in eastern Europe.”
5) Given that Russia’s economy and currency are stronger than before the war, do you believe that U.S. sanctions have been effective?
“I do not know this to be true. The most optimistic GDP growth rate for Russia in 2022 seems to be -2.5%. Naturally, data from the Russian government shouldn’t be trusted. The RUB/USB is at about the same level as prior to the invasion, not stronger. One reason the ruble is not weaker is that Russia employs strict capital controls, and they have an enormous amount of gold. In general, the stronger the dictatorship, the less effective are sanctions.”
6) Do you believe the United States faces the risk of nuclear war with Russia?
“While it is hard to know the exact risks, it would seem prudent to make sure Russia loses in Ukraine, as I believe the likelihood of Putin using nuclear weapons is greater if he was operating out of Ukraine with the objective of taking Poland and/or Romania. This is a continuation of a geographic battle that has gone on for hundreds of years and will go on for many years into the future.””
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