Will the US go to war with Russia?
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - As President Biden sends another 7,000 troops to Europe, the question on everyone's mind is, what it would take for US soldiers to take part in this conflict?
The invasion of Ukraine has continued into its second night, and the world is watching as Russia’s assault leaves dozens dead and others either running or hiding.
"It’s going to get worse before it gets better. I think the most important thing that President Biden and this country needs to do is to maintain a strong, unified front with our NATO allies and friends,” said retired United States Air Force Lt. General Richard Newton.
Newton says everything is playing out as predicted.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues the largest invasion since World War II, Newton says he sees parallels between them.
"I’m not suggesting this is World War III, or this is a march across Europe, but it’s certainly a march across Ukraine. We are in uncharted territory right now,” said Newton.
US troops are continuing to mobilize in Europe, but it remains to be seen what, if any, action will be taken. Though Putin is attempting to take Ukraine and reshape Europe, Newton says there's no real reason to go to war in Ukraine.
"In this case, Ukraine is not part of NATO, therefore, in my view, there is no interest at all or talk at all about attacking, or putting US Forces in place in Ukraine,” Newton said.
However, Newton says that could change if the Russian assault spills out into nearby Poland or Romania -- both members of NATO.
"In the event there are perhaps conflict spills over into Poland, that’s a different calculus altogether," said Newton. "But, so far, there’s no anticipation of that. Therefore, I certainly wouldn’t advise the president [to go to war], and he’s already predisposed not to put forces there. I believe that’s appropriate at this stage."
While it doesn't appear that World War III is imminent, it certainly feels like a second Cold War is coming.
