Unraveling Washington: How Putin's Agenda Exploits the Turmoil

Editors Note: Frida Ghitis is a former CNN producer and correspondent, and currently a respected world affairs columnist. She contributes her opinions weekly to CNN, writes for The Washington Post, and is a columnist for World Politics Review. The following opinion piece reflects her personal views. For more opinions, visit CNN.

If you thought the events unfolding in the US House of Representatives this week were captivating and somewhat confusing, consider how they appeared to the people of Ukraine. They are currently facing a life-or-death battle to protect their nation from Russia's invasion, and now they must endure the disheartening and perilous consequences of the Republican Party's astonishing internal conflicts.

Frida Ghitis

CNN reported that a group of Republican legislators from the far-right removed Kevin McCarthy, the former Speaker of the House, on Tuesday night. This came after McCarthy had prevented them from shutting down the government by making a deal with House Democrats to fund operations for 45 days.

The agreement reached on Saturday night failed to include crucial military funding for Ukraine, causing anxious reactions among Ukrainians. This was made worse by McCarthy's removal and the vacant Speakers chair, which left the support for Ukraine uncertain due to incomprehensible political maneuvers in Washington.

When asked by CNN staff in Kyiv, Olha Hrubryna, 60, expressed her dismay, stating that she has been closely following the events on Capitol Hill. "I find it terrible because the safety of our people relies on financial assistance," she said on Wednesday. "We will continue to fight until the end, but the lack of support will result in significant losses." Ukrainian serviceman Volodymyr Kostiak referred to it as political games tied to the 2024 US elections, explaining to CNN, "We, Ukrainians, are held hostage by this process."

Ukrainian media attempted to clarify the current crisis faced by Kyiv, which is coinciding with a bleak outlook on the horizon. Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of the Congress being absorbed in MAGA frenzy, Slovakia, a member of NATO and the European Union, elected the populist candidate Robert Fico, who is openly supportive of Russia. Fico has made a pledge not to provide any military assistance to Ukraine if he is successful in forming a coalition as the prime minister.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during his speech at the concert at the State Kremlin Palace on September 28, 2023, in Moscow, Russia.

Stringer/Getty Images

Opinion: Why Putin wants a forever war

Meanwhile, a high-ranking NATO official issued a cautionary message regarding the dwindling resources available to aid Ukraine. Admiral Rob Bauer of the Royal Dutch Navy, who serves as the chairman of NATO's Military Committee, stated that the situation has reached a critical point.

The Ukrainian people have displayed immense tenacity in their ongoing battle to protect their nation, making it difficult to envision their determination waning. However, the chances of emerging triumphant would greatly diminish in the event of the United States withdrawing its support. Furthermore, a Ukrainian loss would not only signify a defeat for NATO and the United States but also for the democratic world as a whole.

A Russian triumph would not only strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has consistently expressed his desires to revive the former Soviet Union and even a larger Russian Empire, but it would also encourage other autocracies, such as China, to pursue territorial expansion through aggression.

Regardless of the poor outcomes of the war for Russia, which had anticipated a quick win, this recent development aligns perfectly with Putin's objectives - objectives that we have long suspected, but are now acknowledged by his spokesperson.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov predicts that fatigue over the conflict will spread to various countries, including the US, leading to the fragmentation of their political establishment. Putin envisions a divided United States, with former President Donald Trump, who praised Putin and supported the annexation of parts of Ukraine, fueling antipathy towards Ukraine by questioning the cost of supporting it.

The European Union is seeking to alleviate Kyiv's concerns. EU foreign ministers traveled to Kyiv this week, convening their inaugural meeting in a foreign country as a symbol of unwavering support. Josep Borrell, the EU's chief foreign policy official, stated, "While we watch developments in the US, we will persist in our support and enhance it."

President Joe Biden has similarly provided reassurances; nevertheless, there are undoubtedly causes for apprehension.

The political turmoil and growing extremism now infecting the Republican Party could put poison in the pipeline of support.

Frida Ghitis

The Republican Party's current political turmoil and increasing extremism could undermine the support system.

Despite false claims made by presidential candidates, Europeans are actually investing heavily in supporting Ukraine. In fact, they are contributing a higher percentage of their GDP compared to the United States. In certain cases, their contributions are significantly larger. However, the majority of military aid originates from Washington, as the United States possesses the largest military arsenal in the world.

However, Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman argues that the claims made by opponents of aid, suggesting that the US is spending too much in Ukraine and that it affects spending in other areas, are not valid. According to Krugman, the total US aid to Ukraine accounts for less than one-third of one percent (0.03%) of GDP and less than 5% of the defense budget. Krugman further contends that the true reason why the far-right opposes Ukraine aid is their admiration for Trump, as they see the cruelty and repression of the Putin regime as admirable qualities that America should embrace.

It is unclear how many Republicans in Congress support the idea of the US emulating Putin. However, it is evident that far-right nationalists in America do. Shortly after Putin initiated the invasion of Ukraine, a conference called America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) was organized by white nationalists. During this event, there was a significant show of support for the Russian president, with attendees applauding and chanting "Putin! Putin!" The decisions and actions taken in Washington in the coming days, weeks, and months will greatly impact the fate of Ukraine and the outcome of the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

The Ukrainian ambassador in Washington, Oksana Markarova, mentions being in contact with potential incoming speakers. She states that they have a positive and constructive dialogue with most of the potential candidates and their teams.

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However, there are potential candidates that could pose difficulties. According to a report card on GOP members' votes on Ukraine by Defending Democracies Together, Rep. Steve Scalise received a score of B, indicating "Okay." In contrast, Rep. Jim Jordan, a fervent supporter of Trump, received an F, denoting "Very Poor." And he is not alone. Jordan voted against four out of five bills that aimed to support Ukraine in defending itself against a Russian invasion, which has now been ongoing for 20 months.

The outcome of this crisis, along with the turmoil within the GOP, will have significant implications for Ukraine. It will also impact the security of Europe and may shape America's reputation for years to come.

Asked if Ukraine would be able to fight without US military support, 37-year-old Olha said, "Of course, we will fight  but it will be many times bloodier."