Waltz: Russia is 'Iron Fist of Authoritarianism'

Florida Rep. Michael Waltz (R) has penned an op-ed for FOX News, discussing the ensuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Calling for the United States to continue providing assistance to Ukraine, Waltz also warned that the U.S. “is on the verge of losing a second democratic partner to the iron fist of authoritarianism.”

Waltz has vocally opposed Russia, and the arguments have only amplified since Russia launched an attack on Ukraine early last week. However, as Waltz expressed, “the Ukrainian people have thus far withstood the onslaught of Vladimir Putin’s armed battalions.”

News coverage has extensive reported the damage inflicted on the Ukrainian people while also showcasing the determination the country faces in fighting back.

In an op-ed detailing the conflict between both countries, the GOP member shared that he visited Ukraine last year “on a bipartisan Congressional delegation to meet with Ukrainian military leaders, U.S. military advisors, and U.S. embassy officials to further understand the then-looming Russian invasion.”

After the visit, the bipartisan group “stated publicly that U.S. lethal aid to Ukraine was moving too slow and President Biden’s refusal to implement sanctions wasn’t doing anything to deter Putin’s military amassment along the border.”

In the aftermath of Putin’s decision to attack, the lawmaker now points to “three key components that will lead to a successful Ukrainian resistance: the will to fight, a sanctuary, and arms and other supplies for guerilla warfare.”

He calls on the President to “make clear that the United States will continue to stand with the freedom-loving Ukrainian people should their country be overtaken by Russian forces not just with words but bullets.”

Moreover, he reminded that “just as we supported the Afghan people in their fight against Soviet invaders in the 1980s, we should continue to support a Ukrainian resistance.”

Amidst the ensuing conflict, earlier this week it was reported that Russia and Ukraine are negotiating a ceasefire.