House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) on Tuesday called on President Obama to “reassess” his approach to Russia and “dramatically” strengthen the U.S. response to Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine.
“Russia has not been a constructive world partner under Vladimir Putin’s leadership,” Cantor said, noting the Russian alliance with Syria’s Bashar Assad and actions to block Iran sanctions since 2009.
“It should come as no surprise that Russia is violating Ukraine’s sovereignty after this track record. Clearly, more steps must be taken to put pressure on Russia, and it is past time we reassess our entire strategy towards a nation that poses an increasing threat to international peace and security,” Cantor said in a statement after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty to annex Crimea.
{mosads}The GOP leader’s comments come as Obama is under fire for what many conservatives have called a weak response to Russia’s aggression. This week, the administration imposed travel bans and asset freezes on just 11 Russian and Ukrainian officials, although the White House has promised more sanctions are coming.
Cantor argues that the U.S. needs reclaim its role as a defender of liberty.
To do that, Obama must “dramatically” expand sanctions on Russia, and Group of Seven leaders must expel Russia from the Group of Eight, he said. Cantor said the U.S. should look at military support for Ukraine and must strengthen NATO alliances.
Cantor repeated GOP demands that the U.S. expand exports of natural gas to weaken the Russian economy.
Critics of that proposal argue natural gas will take years to reach Ukraine and increased exports could spike electricity prices in the U.S., hurting domestic manufacturing.
Cantor also said he would be asking House committees to suggest other ways to pressure Russia.
Separately, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Tuesday laid out a series of steps the U.S. should take. McCain has been critical of Obama’s overall foreign approach, characterizing it as weak.
In addition to imposing tougher immediate sanctions, McCain said Congress should immediately pass a Ukraine aid package, paired with International Monetary Fund provisions opposed by some conservatives.
He also called for air-dropping food and humanitarian aid to Ukraine through NATO, providing “modest” military assistance to Ukraine and organizing a civilian monitoring mission through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The U.S. should also work with NATO to come up with a long-term support program for Ukraine’s military, McCain said, as well as prepare NATO for Georgia and Montenegro to join the organization.