Most critically, the military aid we provide Ukraine helps to protect and advance American national security interests in the region and beyond. America has an abiding interest in stemming Russian expansionism, and resisting any nation’s efforts to remake the map of Europe by dint of military force, even as we have tens of thousands of troops stationed there. Moreover, as one witness put it during our impeachment inquiry: “The United States aids Ukraine and her people so that they can fight Russia over there, and we don’t have to fight Russia here.”
This is his opening statement in the impeachment trial, so it’s something he’s spent some time preparing and conferring with others about. He’s not speaking off the cuff when caught by surprise by an interviewer. This was actually worded this way intentionally.
