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Democratic Senator Chris Murphy warned on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans for the war in Ukraine could result in a direct confrontation with the United States.
While appearing on CNN This Morning, Murphy spoke about a foreign aid bill that would provide Ukraine with additional funding for its fight against Russia. It advanced in the Senate this weekend, and Murphy said that he hopes it does not fail in the House.
"Let's just be clear, Vladimir Putin is intent on defeating Ukraine and then he has made it clear he has plans to move on, to NATO countries, to Europe," the Connecticut senator said. "That would draw the United States directly into a confrontation with Putin. Two nuclear powers at war for the first time in our lifetime, that would mean Americans dying on the battlefield and potential global cataclysm."
Newsweek reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry via email for comment.
The context:
On Sunday, the Senate voted to advance legislation that provides aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The legislation seeks to help Ukraine and Israel in their wars while also protecting Taiwan amid possible threats from China.
The advancement in the Senate came amid ongoing discussion over another piece of legislation that sought to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. The advancement of the foreign aid bill did not include any provisions relating to the border, and many Republicans previously criticized a bipartisan border security bill that was co-authored by Murphy.
What we know:
The war between Russia and Ukraine is nearing its second straight year, with Putin launching the "special military operation" in February 2022.
The U.S. has continued to provide economic and military aid to Ukraine, prompting criticism from Putin and other Russian officials.
Views:
During a recent interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Putin said that Russia is open to peace negotiations with Ukraine saying, "We have never refused negotiations."
"You should tell the current Ukrainian leadership to stop and come to a negotiating table," Putin said.
Former President Donald Trump spoke about Russia and NATO during a speech in South Carolina on Saturday where he said an unnamed president of a "big country" asked him if he would defend a NATO country if Russia invaded.
"No, I would not protect you," Trump said he told the unnamed president. "In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills."
What's next:
The Senate is set to continue its procedural votes on the foreign aid bill this week. If the bill successfully passes through the Senate, it moves to the House, where its future is unclear. Trump previously called on Republican Senators to tank the foreign aid bill but many opposed the former president.
"None of us want to see a war in Europe and I don't think he does either," Republican Senator Mike Rounds said, responding to Trump's calls, Politico reported. "And, very clearly, we're going to defend our NATO allies, and I'm quite certain the president does not want to see us in a war with Russia."
Update 2/12/24, 8:24 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and to note that Newsweek reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment.
Update 2/12/24, 8:53 a.m. ET: This article was additional with further information.
About the writer
Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more