WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s nominee for the top policy position at the Pentagon faced tough questioning during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its military threat to the U.S. and Europe. Elbridge Colby, the nominee, ultimately acknowledged that Russia did invade Ukraine and represents a significant military challenge, after persistent inquiries from senators on both sides of the political spectrum.
Colby hesitated to directly confirm Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing the sensitivity of the issue and his desire not to disrupt peace efforts. However, under pressure from Senator Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who demanded a clear answer, Colby finally admitted that Russian forces had crossed the border and invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Amid recent false claims by Trump blaming Ukraine for the conflict and criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Colby refrained from labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal or addressing Trump’s decision to halt military aid to Kyiv. Instead, Colby emphasized the importance of a strategy to end the conflict and ensure Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
Regarding previous statements about Iran, Colby clarified his position, stating that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to the U.S. and emphasized the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He acknowledged that his previous remarks on Iran may not have always been precise.
Vice President JD Vance briefly spoke in support of Colby’s confirmation, highlighting the nominee’s ability to work with both parties and emphasizing his commitment to restoring the defense industrial base. Colby also stressed the importance of maintaining strong cyber capabilities in dealing with Russia and suggested that any aggressive actions by Moscow should be met with reciprocity.
In light of Colby’s responses during the hearing, it is evident that he faces scrutiny over his past statements and positions on various international issues.
When questioned on Tuesday about potential threats posed by various adversaries, such as China, Iran, and North Korea, the speaker emphasized that the United States does not possess a military capable of waging multiple wars simultaneously. While acknowledging the importance of maintaining a presence in the Middle East and preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, the speaker also stressed the need to counter Russian influence in Europe and prevent North Korea from expanding into South Korea. However, the speaker expressed particular concern about the possibility of a significant conflict with China, noting that it may be imminent. In light of these challenges, the speaker underscored the necessity for the United States to develop a coherent strategy, allocate additional resources, and seek support from its allies in order to effectively address these complex geopolitical issues.
