Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and retired U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane threw their weight behind Speaker Mike Johnson’s push for foreign aid to Ukraine, as House lawmakers prepare for a crucial vote on Saturday.
Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, is championing separate aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, with Ukraine facing urgent need in the midst of escalating tensions with Russia.
Pompeo and Keane’s endorsement comes between conservative backlash over allocating taxpayer funds abroad rather than addressing domestic issues.
In a letter issued by Pompeo’s Champions America Values PAC and obtained by Newsmax, the duo emphasized the critical nature of the crisis, warning of dire consequences if Ukraine does not receive timely assistance. They underscored Ukraine’s pivotal role in deterring Russian aggression and preventing further destabilization in Eastern Europe.
Highlighting the broader strategic implications, Pompeo and Keane cautioned against underestimating Putin’s ambitions, framing the conflict as part of Russia’s broader quest for regional dominance.
They stressed that supporting Ukraine is not merely an altruistic endeavor but a strategic imperative to safeguard American interests and prevent further aggression.
Addressing misconceptions about foreign aid, the letter clarified that assistance to Ukraine primarily bolsters America’s defense industry and enhances national security.
Pompeo and Keane urged bipartisan support for aiding Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of projecting strength to deter adversaries and maintain international stability.
Drawing parallels with past strategic blunders, such as the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the letter underscored the need for resolute action to counter Russian aggression. Pompeo and Keane urged lawmakers to prioritize national security interests and uphold America’s commitments to its allies.
They commended Johnson’s leadership and urged colleagues to rally behind efforts to support Ukraine, emphasizing the imperative of confronting authoritarian regimes and safeguarding global security.