It was reported by New York Post that the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee has warned that the US may be in the throes of a new Cold War with Russia amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. During an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union,” Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) was asked about fears that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine and whether he believes a “new Cold war” is already underway.
“I do. I do, because I think [Russia President Vladimir] Putin again smells weakness here,” the Republican told anchor Jake Tapper on Sunday.
“He knows that if he’s ever going to invade Ukraine, now is the time. I hope he doesn’t make that miscalculation. But the fact is, if he does invade Ukraine, what is the United States, what is our commander-in-chief prepared to do to stop it?” he continued.
His remarks come as up to 100,000 Russian troops have massed at the border with Ukraine, sparking concerns about a possible invasion, similar to when Moscow annexed Crimea eight years ago.
OANN went on to report McCaul said with the possibility of escalation, the Biden administration is making empty threats to its counterparts in Moscow and are not setting up an effective deterrence strategy.
“You know, you have to put things on the table like sanctions,” explained the U.S. representative. “You have to talk about more arms sales, weapons sales to Ukraine. And this Nord Stream 2, the idea of the President (Joe Biden) waiving congressionally mandatory sanctions on Putin’s pipeline. I don’t know how that’s in the national interests of the United States.”
Additionally, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reiterated claims of an unnamed credible source, saying Russia intends to invade Ukraine under false pretenses. Sullivan stressed he’s working with his partners in the region and the Biden administration is ready to engage with Russia in whatever capacity the Kremlin wants.
“We’re ready either way: if Russia wants to move forward with diplomacy, we are absolutely ready to do that in lockstep with our allies and partner,” Sullivan stated. “If Russia wants to go down the path of invasion and escalation, we’re ready for that too with a robust response that will cut at their strategic position.”
Additionally, McCaul said the Biden administration is projecting an image of a weaker America while citing the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. He warned America’s adversaries, including China, Iran and Russia, will capitalize on Biden’s mistakes and encroach on “American hegemony.”
