Condoleezza Rice to GOP lawmakers: US should be cagier on Ukraine defense plans
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida — Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told House Republicans she does not believe the United States should lay out what it's not willing to do in terms of retaliation against Russia for its unprovoked attack on Ukraine while addressing members at their annual retreat Thursday.
Rice’s comments come as Russia continues its aggression on Ukraine despite the U.S. and allied countries imposing a slew of sanctions and have sent weapons and aid as the war hits its one-month mark.
According to two sources in the room at the House Republican retreat, Rice cautioned members against saying the U.S. will not engage in World War III — even if it has no intention of doing so. Rice, the secretary of state in President George W. Bush's second term and a national security adviser before that, argued that it would be counterproductive for American officials to indicate to Russian President Vladimir Putin what America's reaction might or might not be.
Rice’s comments come in the wake of President Joe Biden and a slew of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle speaking out against a no-fly zone, which critics argue could escalate the risk of direct involvement in the war.
Lawmakers applauded Rice’s advice, praising her expertise on foreign policy and her take on the tensions abroad.
“Every time she gives such unique insights, and she understands all of the hot spots around the world,” House Minority Whip Steve Scalise said in an interview. The Louisiana Republican noted Rice's many meetings with Putin during the Bush administration. "She's not just speaking from a prior role, but she still has relationships around the world, and I think it is an important insight.”
Rep. Richard Hudson said he was encouraged by Rice's message, telling the Washington Examiner it was a “strong, clear speech.”
“Sanctions and support have come too slow but Biden administration moves have basically been right," said Hudson, a North Carolina Republican. "We need to stop saying what we won’t do. And we need to make sure we do everything we can so that Ukraine can win.”
Rep. Mike Johnson echoed Hudson’s sentiments, adding that he felt Rice’s message was well received by the conference.
“She is very bullish on America and very much a believer in peace through strength," said Johnson, a Louisiana Republican. "I think she reiterated, confirm what a lot of us have been thinking and communicating."