Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon has issued a stark warning about the potential for the Ukraine conflict to escalate into a quagmire reminiscent of the Vietnam War for President-elect Donald Trump. Bannon has been publicly advocating for Trump to prioritize a swift end to the war in Ukraine, even suggesting it be addressed in his inaugural address.
In a recent interview, Bannon expressed concern that Trump could be influenced by various entities, including the U.S. defense industry and European allies, to maintain military aid to Ukraine. He specifically mentioned his disagreement with retired General Keith Kellogg, Trump's pick for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, on this issue. Bannon believes continued aid prolongs the conflict and risks deeper U.S. involvement, contrary to American interests.
Bannon's urgency stems from his belief that a delayed resolution could mirror Richard Nixon's experience inheriting and ultimately "owning" the Vietnam War. He is pushing for a decisive "Day One" announcement from Trump, signaling a new approach to the conflict. Bannon suggests Trump communicate directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing a commitment to a rapid resolution, drawing parallels to Trump's recent mediation in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Bannon also criticized NATO, viewing it as overly reliant on American support, and expressed skepticism about the alliance's military capabilities. He downplayed the threat of Russian influence in Europe, citing Russia's limited military progress in Ukraine. He argued that European nations would invest more in defense if they perceived Russia as a genuine threat.
Shifting his focus, Bannon expressed support for Trump's reported interest in acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal, considering them vital for U.S. national security. He also criticized European leaders, including former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whom he labeled a "war criminal," accusing them of engaging in a dangerous fantasy by escalating the Ukraine conflict with other countries' resources.
