Republican Skepticism of Ukraine Aid: Washington Must Prioritize Russia or China

House minority leader Kevin McCarthy made headlines in October when he indicated that the “blank check to Ukraine” might not continue if Republicans assumed control of the House of Representatives. McCarthy’s implication — recently shared by other conservatives and Republicans — has drawn sharp criticism from much of the foreign-policy intelligentsia. But these conservatives are right to sour on an almost unchecked provision of arms to Ukraine.

Washington faces a choice: It can continue arming Ukraine at the present rate, or it can forestall the manifest danger of Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. We cannot do both because resources are limited. Politically and strategically, conservatives are right to prioritize China over Russia.

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Austin Dahmer

Austin Dahmer is an analyst and consultant on national-security policy and defense strategy.

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House minority leader Kevin McCarthy made headlines in October when he indicated that the “blank check to Ukraine” might not continue if Republicans assumed control of the House of Representatives. McCarthy’s implication — recently shared by other conservatives and Republicans — has drawn sharp criticism from much of the foreign-policy intelligentsia. But these conservatives are right to sour on an almost unchecked provision of arms to Ukraine.

Washington faces a choice: It can continue arming Ukraine at the present rate, or it can forestall the manifest danger of Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. We cannot do both because resources are limited. Politically and strategically, conservatives are right to prioritize China over Russia.