Politics

Inhofe on situation with Russia: ‘A direct result of President Obama’s disarming of America’

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Russia’s act of aggression in Ukraine is a “direct result” of President Obama’s reductions to the U.S. military, according to Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe.

“The arrogant actions of President Putin and Russia in recent days is a direct result of President Obama’s disarming of America since the beginning of his Administration,” Inhofe, the highest ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement Monday.

Inhofe slammed Obama for cancelling several military craft in his first year in office and applying $487 billion in cuts to national security. He also charged that Obama’s disarming of America means there are fewer ways to deal with Putin’s actions.

“I just returned from Georgia in January, and they fear Russia will further invade their territory next,” Inhofe said.

“Throughout this administration, I have also warned that if the United States does not maintain a ready and capable military, we would surrender our global influence and leave a vacuum that will be filled by Russia,” he continued. “I warned this day was coming, and it is here. President Obama’s attempt to seek peace through apologetic diplomacy while defunding and dismantling our military has failed. Today our enemies don’t fear us and our allies no longer respect us.”

According to Inhofe, additional cuts to defense this year will further inhibit the U.S.’s military readiness.

“It’s time for President Obama to come forward and either fully fund our military or reduce expectations for the United States’ leadership in the world,” he concluded.

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Caroline May