Should Congress Stop Funding the War in Ukraine?

Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States has provided more than $75 billion in aid to Ukraine, which has been directed toward military operations, economic support, and humanitarian assistance. As the war has gone on, members of Congress have questioned whether we have done enough to help the country and if continuing funding is sustainable. Those who want to continue funding Ukraine say the U.S. has a moral obligation to support the country in its time of need, it sustains alliances while serving strategic interests, and it demonstrates the U.S.’s support of democratic values and sovereignty. Those arguing it’s time to end the funding say that it diverts necessary resources that could go toward domestic and foreign priorities. They also question whether the funds are being used efficiently, whether the war is winnable, and whether providing military aid is genuinely contributing to a path toward peace.

With this crucial background, we debate the question: Should Congress Stop Funding the War in Ukraine?

Arguing Yes: John Mearsheimer, Political Science Professor at the University of Chicago and
Daniel L. Davis, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Senior Fellow and Military Expert at Defense Priorities

Arguing No: Heather Conley, President of German Marshall Fund of the United States and Paula Dobriansky, Former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs; Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs; Vice Chair, Atlantic Council Scowcroft Center for Strategy & Security

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

This debate was recorded live for an invite-only audience at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. @cfr partnership.

Timestamps:
(02:36) Professor John Mearsheimer's statement against continuing funding
(06:07) Ambassador Paula Dobriansky's statement for continuing funding
(09:43) Retired Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis's Statement against continuing funding
(12:43) President of the German Marshall Fund of the USA Heather Conley's Statement for continuing funding
(17:45) How does morality play into the arguments?
(22:24) Can Ukraine win?
(27:30) Will Putin get an appetite for expansion if he gets Ukraine?
(35:20) How does the Ukraine conflict relate to China's ambitions?
(38:17) What is the evidence that Putin is trustworthy?
(41:31) Can Ukraine go back to being neutral?
(56:21) Closing statements begin

#opentodebate #debate #Russia #Ukraine #Congress #humanitarianassistance #military


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[OpentoDebate]

Explore our latest newsletter insights and debater editorials.

[wanderlust]

The men : ukraine is losing
The women : the war benefits us

[istvandarvas]

There were two men with military backgrounds who were arguing for a diplomatic solution, advocating for a ceasefire and peace. On the other side, there were two women with diplomatic backgrounds who were arguing for a military solution. I can't say who's right, but it was really a strange situation.

[curiosity]

It is horrifying how the audience is laughing at the people who want peace, and clapping for those who want to see the war continue. Deeply disturbing and dystopian.

[richardchuanqin]

“Those dead Ukrainians are enriching our weapon makers. We must continue doing that.” That’s effectively what that two women have said.

[davids.tavadian]

Thank you John M. and Daniel Davis for your courage to speak the truth, rather than work for the lobbyists. How can anyone use expressions like “it’s a great bargain” or “it’s a good investment” or “what does it cost us” when hundreds of thousands of people are dying ?! How immoral are these women ?!

[Victoria-dcuc]

Those women are clueless all they care about is their own pockets which they indirectly admitted... very painful to watch

[MichaelDodson]

Excellent point by Dr. Mearsheimer about the 21, 000 additional Americans who died in Vietnam, because we continued to fight after loss was certain. Human life is precious, regardless of citizenship. People are suffering and dying in the Ukraine War. Their families and loved ones are devastated by their losses.

We ponder highly advanced, extraterrestrial civilizations visiting Earth, and we hope they are peaceful. Stop the killing.

[magma]

I would never trust a politician over a scholar with such calibre and honesty as Prof. John Mearsheimer.

[chriswong]

Henry Kissinger Quote: “To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal.” This time, it's Ukraine

[mirceasamuelvoicu]

If you put this ladies in power we can get WW3. She is speaking about sending Nato troops in Ukraine and she is smiling... Now i see that we have others Victoria Nulands.

[mohabarts]

Imagine if those two ladies ruled the world what would happen. They don't care about Ukrainian youths dying every single day

[akap_]

Oh God, the ladies had no arguments just emotional hysteria. They refused to listen and respond, bar one time. Painful to watch and very disturbing that such people are in positions where they are making decisions that is destroying our collective future

[MrGolov-teeb]

This is what evil looks like wrapped into educated quasi-intellectual women.

[skippys]

Arguing against the uniblob in DC will get you cancelled. The sick logic that we need to fund war to increase shareholder value for Raytheon is perverse. 14:50

[badomen]

This is painful to watch, the two ladies are completely clueless.

[deadpelicanguy]

She is saying that Putin violated the Minsk agreement? What? The Minsk agreement was never implemented. And it's because the regime in Kiev ignored it and never implemented it. Nothing to do with Putin.

[karlharrison]

The two women are misinformed or lying. Either way they are delusional.

[OpentoDebate]

Timestamps
(02:36) Professor John Mearsheimer's statement against continuing funding
(06:07) Ambassador Paula Dobriansky's statement for continuing funding
(09:43) Retired Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis's Statement against continuing funding
(12:43) President of the German Marshall Fund of the USA Heather Conley's Statement for continuing funding
(17:45) How does morality play into the arguments?
(22:24) Can Ukraine win?
(27:30) Will Putin get an appetite for expansion if he gets Ukraine?
(35:20) How does the Ukraine conflict relate to China's ambitions?
(38:17) What is the evidence that Putin is trustworthy?
(41:31) Can Ukraine go back to being neutral?
(56:21) Closing statements begin

[craiczhang]

As Chinese, I am so happy to see United States having government politicians / advisors like those two ladies who are even more influential than Mr. Mearsheimer🤣 Well done, keep going.