There Are No Just Wars for Private Profits

Thoughts on recent comments by Vice President Vance

Some thoughts in response to VP Vance's assertion that US economic interest is the best guarantee that Vladimir Putin will not invade Ukraine again.

First, the Vice President acknowledges that Putin invaded Ukraine. To use the word “invade” means that Russia and not Ukraine started the war.

Second, US economic interests in Ukraine are only an effective security guarantee that Putin won’t invade Ukraine again if backed by the US military. Putin is not going to be deterred by American mining companies afraid of diminished Q4 profits.

Third, the conclusion I am forced (regretfully) to draw is the Trump administration will risk World War III for the sake of American businesses but not for Ukrainian lives. They will not arm Ukraine to fight for their own freedom, but they will risk American sons and daughters to protect US economic interests if Putin invades Ukraine again.

Finally, and for the record, the just war theory does not allow for waging war to protect the profitability of private business ventures should, as the Vice President points out, Putin invade Ukraine again.