Bill Burns called Russia's invasion of Ukraine a “new era” for the CIA, akin to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Photo: KENT NISHIMURA/LOS ANGELES TIMES
The CIA director warned that cutting off U.S. funding to Ukraine would be “a goal of historic proportions” as the Biden administration campaigns to support Republicans.
Bill Burns calls Russia's invasion of Ukraine a “new era” for America’s top spy agency, akin to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
“The post-Cold War era came to a definitive end when Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukraine in February 2022,” he wrote in an article for Foreign Relations magazine.
Mr. Burns praised America’s role in creating an international alliance to support Kiev’s forces, but warned that “the key to success lies in maintaining Western assistance.”
Joe Biden, leaving Washington for Florida, is seeking Republican support for funding Ukraine. Photo: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/REUTERS
His statement comes amid growing Republican skepticism about Washington's financial burden and doubts about Ukraine's progress on the battlefield after nearly two years of bitter war.
In his article, Mr. Burns argues that the cost of supporting Ukraine is less than five percent of the US defense budget.
“This is a relatively modest investment with significant geopolitical returns for the United States and the United States. tangible benefits for American industry,” he said.
Continuing the supply of weapons to the front lines of Ukraine, he added, “offers a chance to ensure a long-term victory for Ukraine and a strategic loss for Russia.”< /p>
“For the United States to withdraw from the conflict at this critical moment and end its support for Ukraine would be its own goal of historic proportions,” Mr. Burns said.
The public appeal comes amid deep concern at the White House about the months-long delay in getting more funding from a recalcitrant Congress.
Antony Blinken (right), US Secretary of State held a press conference in Washington with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: CHUCK KENNEDY/ELAMY
President Joe Biden has asked for an extra $61bn (£48bn) in funding for Kyiv but has so far been blocked by conservative hardliners who say US support has no clear endgame.
Republican skeptics have received support from Donald Trump, who opposes calls for expanded funding packages for Ukraine.
In recent days, the Biden administration has issued a series of public warnings about the potential risks of withdrawing US support.
On Monday, Antony Blinken , the US secretary of state, held a joint news conference in Washington with Jens Stoltenberg, NATO secretary general, to emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Mr Blinken warned that Ukraine's successes on the battlefield would be in question if Congress did not act soon.
“Without this, simply put, everything that the Ukrainians have achieved and everything we have helped them achieve will be in jeopardy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Stoltenberg visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to make the case to senior leaders in both parties that continued military support is in America's “own security interests.”
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