Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said on Newsmax on Saturday that Russia's Vladimir Putin should have no leverage over who joins NATO, calling the Russian leader solely responsible for the war against Ukraine and arguing any peace deal must protect Ukraine's sovereignty.
Lawler, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the comments during "Saturday Report," responding to a question that cited warnings from NATO secretary- general Mark Rutte that Europe should brace for a prolonged conflict.
Rutte, who took office Oct. 1, 2024, has urged NATO countries to adopt what he has called a "wartime mindset" and increase defense spending and production, warning that NATO countries are "already in harm's way."
In his answer, Lawler faulted European governments for failing to take tougher steps against Moscow, including continuing to buy Russian gas, and said the Biden administration should have moved faster on sanctions. He also said Russia should bear responsibility for rebuilding Ukraine.
"Well, what it speaks to me, frankly, is the failure over the 3 1/2 years since the start of that war by Europe to actually take aggressive measures against Russia, for instance, stop buying Russian gas, stop funding the war that you're trying to stop," he said.
"And that, to me, has been a major problem. It's part of the reason why I thought the Biden administration should have enacted secondary sanctions immediately. They shouldn't have allowed Ukraine to use the weapons proactively in Russian territory, you know.
"But here we are, 3 1/2 years later. We're trying to get this war to come to an end, to get a ceasefire and a peace deal," he added.
"But, you know, from my vantage point, we have to be clear about one thing. Vladimir Putin is a vile dictator and thug. He and he alone is responsible for this war. And any peace deal needs to protect the sovereignty of Ukraine.
"Vladimir Putin and Russia should not have any say over NATO membership.
"And certainly, you know, from my vantage point, there's going to need to be a lot of rebuilding in Ukraine. And frankly, Russia should be on the hook for it. So there's a lot of work ahead here."
"We'll see how this unfolds," he said, "but I think NATO allies are right to be concerned. Putin has shown no willingness to stop, you know, former Soviet satellite states, you know, on the borders of Ukraine, obviously have the right to be concerned. So, you know, there are real challenges here. This is not easy to solve. If it was, it would have been done already."
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Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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