Outgunned Ukraine could fall, US general warns

Ukraine is "now being outshot by the Russian side five to one," said Gen. Christopher Cavoli

(Image credit: Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images)

What happened

The top U.S. commander in Europe, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, told a House panel Wednesday that Ukraine is at serious risk of losing its country to Russia unless the U.S. resumes providing Kyiv with two critical tools: artillery shells and interceptor missiles.

Who said what

Ukraine is "now being outshot by the Russian side five to one," and "that will immediately go to 10 to one in a matter of weeks," Cavoli said. "The side that can't shoot back loses."

The commentary

"If Kyiv falls, it could imperil Ukraine's Baltic NATO member neighbors and potentially drag U.S. troops into a prolonged European war," The Associated Press said. Cavoli's warning was the latest "sobering assessment" of the dangers of House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) six-month blockade of $60 billion for Ukraine, The New York Times said.

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What next?

Johnson said lawmakers are "actively" discussing "a path forward" on Ukraine aid. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said she knows Johnson is "at risk of losing his job" from hard-right Republicans if he brings it up for a vote, "but that's what leadership is — it's the big boy pants and making tough choices."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.