Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska has voiced his concerns about President Trump’s approach to resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. In an interview with CNN’s Pamela Brown, Bacon stated that the President is repeating the same mistakes he made in Afghanistan by not including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in talks to end the ongoing war.
Bacon emphasized the importance of having the Ukrainian leader involved in discussions about the conflict, stating that it is a “terrible mistake” not to do so. He further added, “We’ve seen that in the past in Afghanistan where we negotiated with the Taliban and we left the Afghan government out and that was a mistake.”
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula, and supported separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. The war has resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 people and has displaced millions. Efforts to find a peaceful resolution have been ongoing, but have not yielded any significant results.
President Trump’s recent actions have raised concerns among many, including Congressman Bacon, about the effectiveness of his approach. In July, Trump had a controversial phone call with President Zelensky, in which he reportedly pressured him to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden, and his son. This phone call has led to an impeachment inquiry against Trump.
Bacon believes that not including President Zelensky in talks about the conflict sends the wrong message to both Ukraine and Russia. He stated, “It’s important to have the Ukrainian leader there so that the Russians see that we are united with Ukraine and that we are not going to abandon them.”
The Congressman’s concerns are shared by many in the political arena. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also criticized Trump’s actions, stating that he “betrayed his oath of office, betrayed our national security, and betrayed the integrity of our elections.”
Bacon, who is a retired Air Force Brigadier General, has a strong understanding of the situation in Ukraine. He has previously served as a military advisor in Ukraine and has been a vocal supporter of providing military aid to the country. In September, he co-sponsored a bill that would provide $300 million in aid to Ukraine to help defend against Russian aggression.
The Congressman’s remarks also come at a crucial time, as tensions between Ukraine and Russia have recently escalated. In November, Russia seized three Ukrainian Navy vessels and their crew, further fueling the conflict.
Bacon’s criticism of Trump’s approach highlights the importance of involving all parties in discussions about the conflict. Leaving out President Zelensky not only undermines the Ukrainian government but also sends a message to Russia that the United States is not fully committed to finding a resolution.
Involving President Zelensky in talks is crucial for the success of any peace negotiations. As Bacon stated, “We need to make sure that the Ukrainians are at the table, that they are part of the discussion, and that we are working together with them to end this conflict.”
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine requires a united and diplomatic approach from all parties involved. While President Trump’s actions have raised concerns, it is important for the United States to continue supporting Ukraine and working towards a peaceful resolution. Congressman Bacon’s words serve as a reminder that including all parties in talks is essential for achieving lasting peace.
