I am beyond frustrated with the Republicans in the House of Representatives with their opposition to aid for Ukraine. What they are doing is a disservice to Ukraine and free people everywhere. However, I can’t help but think that the Europeans could be doing more, and I think there are some workarounds that can be done with the help of the Biden administration.
Don’t get me wrong — I am aware that the Europeans have given Ukraine a lot of aid. However, the big problem right now is that Ukraine has a critical shortage of artillery shells, and the Europeans have given Ukraine much of their available stocks. My question is are European armament factories making more artillery shells for Ukraine? Their factories should be working around the clock to make more shells for Ukraine. I admit that it’s possible European production of artillery shells may be limited, and in the past they may have relied too much on American manufacturers to supply them with their needs.
Which begs the question — if our country cannot deliver shells from American factories to Ukraine because of Republican intransigence, then can European governments place orders directly to American armament manufacturers to make shells for the Ukraine, bypassing Republican obstruction? The Biden could approve such purchases if necessary, since no U.S. Government money would be involved. The shells could then go to those European governments, then be sent to Ukraine. I have often wondered if the Europeans and the Biden administration have even been thinking along these lines. There may be some legal issues involved, but where there is a will there is a way.
Frankly, it should be obvious to the Europeans that, with Trump and a possibly Fascist Republican party potentially able to come to power, America is not a reliable ally at this time. They should consider the prospect of having to go it alone militarily. I understand many NATO countries are increasing their military spending, but they should pick up the pace. Ukraine is now in the front line against Russian aggression and it is in the best interest of the Europeans that they do everything they can to stop the Russians.