WASHINGTON (AP) — During his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the top policy position at the Pentagon finally admitted that Russia invaded Ukraine and poses a significant military threat to the U.S. and Europe, following persistent questioning from senators on both sides of the political spectrum.Elbridge Colby repeatedly avoided directly acknowledging Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing the sensitivity of the topic and his desire not to hinder peace efforts. However, when pressed by Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who demanded a clear answer on whether Russian forces crossed the border and invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Colby conceded that her statement reflects a factual reality that is indisputably true.Trump recently made false accusations against Ukraine for starting the three-year conflict that has resulted in the loss of many Ukrainian lives. He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a dictator for not holding elections during wartime, leading to a tense confrontation in the Oval Office where Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s apparent lack of gratitude for American support.Amidst these developments, Colby refrained from labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal or addressing allegations of war crimes. In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin on charges of war crimes related to the abduction of children from Ukraine.Furthermore, when questioned about Trump’s recent decision to halt military aid to Kyiv, Colby highlighted the president’s intention to end the conflict and ensure the security and sovereignty of Ukraine.Previously serving as deputy assistant defense secretary for strategy in the first Trump administration, Colby faced inquiries from both Democratic and Republican senators regarding his earlier statements suggesting a willingness to tolerate and contain a nuclear-armed Iran. However, he emphasized during the hearing that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to the U.S., asserting the necessity to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.Despite past controversial remarks, Vice President JD Vance made a brief appearance at the hearing to endorse Colby’s confirmation, emphasizing his ability to bridge bipartisan divides and work towards common goals, including the restoration of the defense industrial base.Among other insights shared during the hearing, Colby stressed the importance of maintaining robust cyber capabilities in dealing with Russia. When asked about the use of offensive cyberoperations against Russia, Colby suggested that any aggressive actions by Moscow should be met with reciprocal measures.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently halted offensive cyberoperations against Russia by U.S. Cyber Command, as revealed by anonymous U.S. officials. However, this decision does not affect cyberoperations conducted by other agencies such as the CIA.Colby has also previously expressed views on reducing commitments in the Middle East, hinting at potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy in the region.
During a recent discussion, the topic shifted towards the necessity of directing more attention towards China. When questioned about various threats posed by different adversaries such as China, Iran, and North Korea, a concern was raised regarding the United States’ lack of a “multi-war military” capability. It was emphasized that while the U.S. should not neglect its presence in the Middle East, it cannot afford to overlook the risks associated with a potentially nuclear-armed Iran, the assertiveness of Russia in Europe, or the looming possibility of North Korea’s dominance over South Korea.
Moreover, there was a candid acknowledgment that the United States might be on the verge of a significant conflict with China. It was underscored that the U.S. cannot effectively address all these pressing issues simultaneously. Therefore, it was suggested that the country needs a well-thought-out strategy, increased resources, and enhanced support from its allies to navigate these complex geopolitical challenges successfully.
