Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “megalomaniac” who will forge ahead in eastern Ukraine unless the U.S. and others stand up to him with actual force, because economic sanctions are simply not enough, Sen. Ron Johnson said Tuesday.
The Wisconsin Republican said Ukrainian leaders need arms and other assistance — but not ground troops — to push back against the Russian separatists and their allies in Moscow.
“You actually achieve peace through strength,” he told MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown.
Western nations are pushing forward with stringent sanctions on key aspects of the Russian economy, but that may not turn the tide in Ukraine, the senator added.
Mr. Johnson said sanctions will feed into Mr. Putin’s system of propaganda, as he continues to enjoy widespread popularity in his country.
“This is all about power for him,” the senator said.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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