This isn't just another spat. Trump compromised our security for his gain.
by David Ignatius
If youre wondering why it matters that President Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine while he was requesting political favors from its new president, think about the Ukrainian soldiers who are fighting a nasty proxy war against Russian-backed separatists.
The United States is Ukraines ally in this fight. Ukrainian commanders, battling to hold their country together against a five-year onslaught by Russia, have been depending on U.S. promises of military assistance. In life-or-death situations like this, Americas word is its bond. But suddenly, in mid-July, American commitments seemed to Ukrainians to have become Trumps political tool.
Why is this more than just another Trump vs. Democrats mud fight? Because the Ukraine issue is about compromising U.S. national security and direct pledges to allies for the presidents personal political gain. Thats whats so outrageous about Trumps alleged push to get dirt on his potential 2020 rival, former vice president Joe Biden, in a July 25 phone call with newly elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Not for the first time, Trump was putting himself above his country.
Trump isnt even bothering to deny the basics. He confirmed Tuesday that he had held up delivery of a promised $391 million in military aid for the Ukrainians in mid-July, before his call to Zelensky. Trump claimed he wanted to pressure Europe and other nations to contribute to Ukraine. Trump had suggested Sunday that in the July call he had urged Zelensky to investigate Bidens sons work for a Ukrainian gas company.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/opinions-this-isnt-just-another-spat-trump-compromised-our-security-for-his-gain/ar-AAHN08q?li=BBnb7Kz