General Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently stated that the United States and its allies can sustain the ongoing war in Ukraine because they are "rich."

His comments came during a press conference in Germany and have sparked debate among the American public and lawmakers.

While Milley asserts that the U.S. and its allies have the resources to continue supporting Ukraine, there is growing skepticism about the efficacy and accountability of this approach.

While moral support for Ukraine against Russia is absolutely critical, the seeming blank check we have been writing does not seem wise.

The Context of Milley's Remarks

The Press Conference

General Milley's comments were made in response to a question about whether the U.S. and its allies have the industrial capacity to enable Ukraine to make significant gains in the ongoing conflict.

Milley responded affirmatively, stating that the U.S. and its allies are "rich, powerful, with significant resources, military resources that are capable of sustaining this fight, in President Biden’s words, as long as it takes."

However, "as long as it takes" seems to include "as much money as it takes", which is frustrating to American taxpayers.

The Funding Debate

Milley's remarks come at a time when the U.S. Congress is debating the approval of an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine, on top of the $113 billion already provided since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Recent polls indicate that the American public is becoming increasingly wary of sending more aid to Ukraine.

This is not for a lack of support for Ukraine's sovereignty, but rather a condemnation of American financial aid without proper oversight.

No end in Sight

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with U.S. leaders and lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

While he received a hero's welcome during his first visit, this time he may face more skepticism, especially as the war shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

Taxpayer Concerns: More Than Just Money

While the U.S. and its allies may indeed have the financial resources to sustain the war, the question arises: Is this the most effective and accountable way to support Ukraine?

The public's growing skepticism suggests a desire for a more nuanced approach that goes beyond simply throwing money at the problem.

The notion that the war can be sustained simply because the U.S. and its allies are "rich" is ludicrous and does answer the important question: should we? Is it responsible to prolong a conflict without a clear strategy for resolution, especially when lives are at stake? Also, how long will our country be "rich" if we continue to spend at such a prodigious rate?

General Milley's comments also bring into focus the role of the military in shaping foreign policy. While the military is tasked with executing orders, the decision-making power lies with political leadership. Military leaders should not have much say, if any, in the decition to financially support other nations.

Conclusion

General Milley's remarks on sustaining the Ukraine conflict because the U.S. and its allies are "rich" lacks wisdom.

It brings up serious questions about the efficacy, accountability, and ethics of such an approach. As the U.S. Congress debates further aid and the American public grows increasingly skeptical, it may be time to consider alternative strategies that honor the dedication and resilience of both the U.S. military and Ukraine's defenders.