Playing Politics with People’s Lives Russia advances, Ukraine begs, Republicans dither DAN RATHER AND TEAM STEADY APR 16 Credit: Getty Images We at Steady always try to find hope in the news. We don’t sugarcoat things but look for solutions that can bring about better outcomes. Today’s story cannot be seen in a light other than a dire one. But it is incredibly important, for the people of Ukraine in the short term and the rest of the world in the long term. So far this year the war in Ukraine is going according to plan … Vladimir Putin’s plan. The Russian leader couldn’t have choreographed it any better. It’s as if he has de facto agents in the U.S. House of Representatives.  His invasion of Ukraine had stalled, but for the last several months, Putin’s been bailed out by lack of funding for Ukraine, courtesy of House Republicans. Consequently, Russian troops are now advancing in eastern Ukraine. According to Washington Post reporters on the ground, “Russians are seizing new territory and intensifying attacks.” Russian troops have destroyed the largest power plant outside the capital city of Kyiv. Ukraine’s military chief said the situation on the ground has “significantly worsened in recent days.”  President Volodymyr Zelensky is openly pleading for help. He posted on X, formerly Twitter: “We need air defense systems and other defense assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions.” It’s no secret who Zelensky thinks is turning a blind eye. House Republicans are ambivalent at best, and collaborators at worst. But what do they really think? Left to their own devices, without arm twisting from Donald Trump, Ukraine would have the weapons and supplies it needs. But Trump and his enabler-in-chief Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have been helping Russia at every turn.  Former Republican Representative Ken Buck, who recently resigned from Congress, calls Greene “Moscow Marjorie” and says she gets her talking points from the Kremlin. That’s from a Republican. Putin’s best-case scenario is for the West to grow weary of the war. If the money stops, Russia wins. Just two months ago, House Speaker Mike Johnson understood the need to continue funding Ukraine. “I don’t like this reality. Vladimir Putin is an evil war criminal.” But he added, “Vladimir Putin will not lose this war.” Republicans are using the theory of inevitability to justify inaction. It’s a good thing this bunch wasn’t in charge after Pearl Harbor. Which brings us to this week and more chaos in Congress. When Johnson proposed that a foreign aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan be split and voted on separately, mayhem ensued among Republicans. Greene had already threatened to oust Johnson over Ukraine funding. She did so again today. If a vote is called to remove Johnson, it would take Democrats to save his speakership.  Who’s going to save Ukraine? The country’s leaders are making tough choices. They don’t have enough ammunition to stop the onslaught. Civilians are paying the price, and Vladimir Putin can only hope Republicans in the House stay on his side. An American general summed up the situation in testimony before Congress last week. General Christopher Cavoli, our top military commander in Europe, testified, “If one side can shoot and the other side can’t shoot back, the side that can’t shoot back loses.” And if Donald Trump wins the White House, Ukraine will be lost. And where will Putin venture next? Yet another reason to stop Trump from retaking the White House. Yes, U.S. democracy is at stake, but so is, and I say this without hyperbole, world peace. If you value independent journalism that provides critical information to protect our democracy and our world, please consider upgrading as a supporting member. It allows me to keep Steady sustainable and free for those who cannot afford it, especially in an election season when we need everyone to see it. Thank you.