In September, officials balked at Ukraine’s request to launch US-made ATACMS missiles into Russia, fearing provocation of World War III. President Putin proclaimed Russia would be “at war” with the US and NATO allies if such weapons were deployed.

But two months and a presidential landslide victory by Donald Trump later, President Biden authorized this escalation with mere weeks remaining in his term. The 300km range of US-made ATACMS missiles allows strikes deep into Russian territory.

Biden’s action raises grave concerns. Why would a president whose own party deemed him unfit to run for re-election be trusted to author a proxy war against a world superpower? Not since the Cuban Missile Crisis have US-Russian tensions been so volatile. The powers of any outgoing president should be limited, with Congressional approval required for such escalations.

The US has sent $67 billion to Ukraine since the war’s outset, none of which authorized by the American people. A large percentage of this aid returns to line the pockets of the very politicians authorizing it: A massive money laundering scheme draining our already barren coffers.

To Americans counting down the days until President Trump’s re-inauguration, take heed. If officially at war, will those in power attempt to postpone the presidential transition for the “safety” of all? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was to be up for re-election this past April. Instead, he postponed elections indefinitely, conveniently extending his term for the “safety” of his people. The road from democracy to dictatorship is paved with good intentions.

No lame duck president should be afforded the power to plunge his country to the precipice of war. If our silence and disinterest as Americans continues to speak volumes, soon our sons and daughters will speak on foreign battlefields for us.

James Krug

Altoona