Opinion - JD Vance is correct about the excessive political focus on Ukraine

Recently, I viewed two disturbing videos linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The first showed Russian soldiers being torn apart by automatic gunfire, while the second depicted young Ukrainian soldiers, visibly terrified, fighting from trenches reminiscent of World War I horrors. Over nearly four years, hundreds of thousands have perished in horrific ways.

Global leaders have failed the countless young men who have died and their grieving families. Still, there are hopeful signs that a ceasefire could soon be achieved. President Trump has consistently advocated for ending the war since February 2022. Yet, for some, the simple fact that Trump supports a solution triggers an automatic opposition.

This phenomenon was highlighted by Vice President Vance in a recent post on X, noting the intensity of political anger over a potential resolution to the Eastern European conflict, while pressing domestic issues are often overlooked. He criticized the passion directed at this war instead of at national concerns, calling it bonkers.

Since the war began, it has become evident that some degree of Trump Derangement Syndrome is influencing perceptions. Many on the left have historically linked Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the now-debunked Russia collusion allegations. This association may have clouded judgment regarding effective strategies to handle Putin and the war, potentially pushing Ukraine into unnecessarily dangerous situations while treating soldiers as expendable pawns in a political struggle.

This raises critical questions: Could Putin have been deterred from invading Ukraine initially? And if not, was there a ceasefire early in the war that might have spared countless lives and prevented further territorial losses?

It is shocking how many decision-makers and commentators, far removed from the realities of the frontlines, advocate for prolonging the war. Vances point stands: the young men on both sides should never have died, and political animosity should never have fueled such suffering. This is the profound shame of those who allowed it to continue.

Douglas MacKinnon, former White House and Pentagon official.

Author: Sophia Brooks