Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona has expressed support for Ukraine's recent military actions on Russian soil, stating that these operations could potentially alter the course of the ongoing conflict.
In an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation," Kelly discussed the implications of Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory, particularly the Kursk region. According to POLITICO, the Arizona Democrat views this development as a significant and unpredictable move by Ukrainian forces.
Kelly's comments come in the context of Ukraine's recent offensive actions, which include crossing into Russian territory and destroying infrastructure in the Kursk region. These operations mark a shift in the conflict dynamics, as previous concerns about escalation had largely confined the war to Ukrainian soil since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
During the "Face the Nation" interview, Kelly expressed his current support for the use of American weapons on Russian soil by Ukrainian forces. This position represents a change from earlier stages of the conflict when there were concerns about potential escalation if the war expanded beyond Ukraine's borders.
Kelly justified his stance by referencing the illegal nature of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized the severity of Russian actions, including the intentional targeting of civilians, as reasons for supporting Ukraine's more aggressive strategy. The Senator also noted that this incursion into Russian territory has likely caught Russian President Vladimir Putin off guard. Kelly suggested that these actions could have a significant impact on how the conflict progresses moving forward.
Kelly highlighted the consequences of Ukraine's actions on Russian civilians, stating that approximately 130,000 Russians have been displaced from their homes. This information underscores the expanding impact of the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders.
The Senator also mentioned Ukraine's strategic targeting of infrastructure within Russia. Specifically, he referred to the destruction of two bridges in the Kursk region, which has reportedly hampered Russia's ability to resupply its forces. These actions by Ukrainian forces are seen as part of a broader strategy to relieve pressure on Ukrainian defenders and potentially improve Ukraine's position in any future peace negotiations.
Kelly drew attention to the historical significance of the Kursk region, referencing the massive tank battle that took place there in 1943 between Soviet and Nazi German forces. This historical context adds depth to the current situation, given the region's importance in Russian military history.
The Senator also commented on how these recent developments might affect Russian public perception of Putin's leadership. Kelly suggested that Putin's image as a protector of Russia might be challenged by these events.
Kelly stated:
He has always tried to characterize himself as somebody that is going to protect Russia. I think his citizens are seeing the results of what he has done in Ukraine that now they are somewhat at risk.
Kelly emphasized the need for continuous assessment of U.S. support for Ukraine. He indicated that the situation requires regular reevaluation to ensure that the assistance provided aligns with Ukraine's evolving needs and the changing dynamics of the conflict.
Kelly also noted that while Ukraine has taken offensive actions within Russian territory, he does not believe they intend to occupy Russian land long-term. This distinction is important in understanding the objectives of Ukraine's current military strategy.
In conclusion, Senator Mark Kelly has expressed support for Ukraine's recent military actions on Russian soil, including the incursion into the Kursk region. He believes these operations could significantly impact the course of the conflict. Kelly highlighted the displacement of Russian civilians and the destruction of infrastructure as consequences of these actions. The Senator also emphasized the need for ongoing evaluation of U.S. support for Ukraine as the conflict evolves.
