Watch... an unexpected end to a Hollywood chase between a Ukrainian vehicle and a Russian military vehicle

 

OPINION:

There is a behind-the-scenes story to President Joe Biden’s sudden announcement Saturday of more arms for Ukraine as Vladimir Putin tries to swallow up the former Russian possession.

For weeks, the White House National Security Council and Pentagon have been “slow-rolling” Kyiv’s long-standing request for more weapons as Russian President Putin deployed a massive troop buildup, a congressional source told me. The Biden team did not want to “escalate,” ––– meaning they were intimidated by the Russian president.

“DOD and NSC lawyers are slow-rolling the re-supply of weapons to Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic’s over concerns it will draw the United States into the war,” the source said. “The Baltic nations need more Stingers and Javelins to replenish their inventory which was depleted by transfers to Ukraine.”

Stingers are the shoulder-mounted heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles that sent Soviet troops retreating from Afghanistan. Javelins are the U.S. Army’s top anti-tank weapon. President Trump made the first-time shipments to Ukraine. The Baltic states have sent U.S. Stingers.

In January, the administration briefed House members that sending Stingers “might escalate the situation,” the source said.  

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, flak jacket in place, is defying the Russian strongman and his huge approaching army by staying put. He rejected an offer by Biden aides to spirit him to safety.

“I need ammunition, not a ride,” he said. 

The brave president underscores what the congressional source is telling me: The Biden team has been too slow to beef up Ukraine even as Mr. Biden repeatedly served as a crisis broadcaster of a sure invasion.

The irony of the sudden rush to send arms by Mr. Biden now that Mr. Putin has invaded was not lost on Richard Grenell, Mr. Trump’s former top intelligence official.

“Really late,” he tweeted Saturday morning as the State Department spokesman announced the arms shipments for “further defensive support.”

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