John Deaton Critiques US Involvement in Ukraine

John Deaton, a prominent XRP lawyer and former US Senate candidate, has criticized notable figures like Elizabeth Warren, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, questioning the motives behind US spending, political agendas, and military strategies.

His comments came after Vice President JD Vance posted on X, asserting that the war wouldn’t have started had Trump been in office and emphasizing that ongoing US aid wouldn’t ensure victory for Ukraine. Deaton responded by demanding accountability for war spending and questioning the long-term effectiveness of US involvement.

Deaton Questions US War Spending and Ukraine Strategy

Deaton expressed that he was labeled a “traitor to democracy” for simply asking pertinent questions before agreeing to further US funding for Ukraine. He compared his approach with Warren’s during their Senate race, highlighting her unwavering support for more aid while he sought answers before committing financial resources.

> “When I ran for US Senate, Elizabeth Warren and I were both asked about continued support for Ukraine. She wanted to send more money, while I demanded answers first,” he stated.

A retired Marine Corps officer, Deaton argued that supporting freedom doesn’t mean refraining from questioning. He criticized Washington lawmakers for lacking a clear strategy.

> “To the war mongers in Washington who do the bidding for the military-industrial complex, ‘Ukraine winning’ is NOT a plan—it’s a wish,” Deaton remarked.

He indicated that with over $200 billion in U.S. aid, Ukraine remains at a stalemate, with some experts suggesting Russia now holds the upper hand.

> “What’s the long-term strategy? Is there a path to victory?” Deaton questioned, expressing skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO membership implications as a US priority.

Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine Negotiations as Tensions Rise

In related developments, Trump and Putin have engaged in indirect negotiations concerning Ukraine, marking a shift in US-Russia relations. Trump recently criticized Zelenskyy, calling him a “dictator without elections” for suppressing opposition while relying on US financial support, following Zelenskyy’s concerns over US negotiations with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement.

Putin praised Trump, describing their negotiation discussions as notably open and pragmatic.

> “In general, as I was told, the mood was very friendly,” Putin reflected on talks between US and Russian officials.

JD Vance Defends Trump’s Position on Ukraine

Vice President JD Vance defended Trump against allegations of appeasing Russia, denouncing the claims as “moralistic garbage.” He argued that the war could have been avoided under Trump’s leadership and asserted that current US aid strategies are ineffective.

Vance emphasized the need for peace, stating that the ongoing war harms all parties involved, especially the US, while the numerical advantage of Russia remains significant despite continuous aid.

Ukraine Pushback: Dismissing Trump’s Claims

Zelenskyy’s administration rebuffed Trump’s allegations, labeling them as Russian “disinformation.” Despite Trump’s claims that Ukraine hasn’t held elections since 2019, a recent poll indicated that 57% of Ukrainians still trust Zelenskyy amid wartime challenges.

Zelenskyy defended his leadership, insisting that elections cannot occur under the current martial law enforced due to Russian aggression.

Deaton Calls for Financial Transparency on War Aid

Deaton emphasized the necessity of transparency in war funding, questioning whether new financial requests would continuously arise. He proposed an audit to track spending before sanctioning further aid.

> “Before sending more money, can we get an audit showing exactly where every dollar went?” he questioned.

He outlined that the $200 billion allocated to Ukraine could have alternatively supported various domestic initiatives, such as:

• Ending homelessness in America
• Universal Pre-K for 20 years
• Expanding Medicaid in states that haven’t adopted it
• Infrastructure development and job creation

Deaton criticized US foreign policy, arguing that leaders prioritize overseas military engagement at the cost of domestic stability.

> “America must get out of the Dick Cheney/Joe Biden Regime Change Coalition,” Deaton stated.