Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova Discusses the Current State of the War in Ukraine on Face the Nation

The Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, appeared on the American news program, Face the Nation, on February 25, 2024. During the interview, she discussed the current state of the war in Ukraine and the urgent need for continued support from the United States and its allies.

Margaret Brennan, the host of Face the Nation, began the interview by acknowledging the solemnity of the occasion, as it marked the two-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. She then welcomed Ambassador Markarova and asked about the situation on the battlefield and the potential for significant battlefield setbacks.

Ambassador Markarova responded by emphasizing the importance of continued support from the United States and its allies in the form of weapons and funding. She noted that the war is still winnable if this support is provided, but that it could be lost if it is not. She also expressed her hope that the House of Representatives would return from its recess and take action to provide the necessary aid.

Margaret Brennan then asked if military support alone would be sufficient, and Ambassador Markarova replied that all forms of support were necessary. She emphasized the need for budget support, humanitarian support, and the creation of bomb shelters, among other things. She also noted that there is strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States and that the necessary votes are present in Congress.

The interview then turned to the issue of the timing of the aid, with Ambassador Markarova expressing her belief that it could be provided within a month. She also addressed the concerns raised by some in the United States regarding transparency and accountability, and noted that Ukraine has provided a great deal of information in response.

Margaret Brennan then asked about the recent battlefield victory claimed by Russia and the role of the United States Congress in the situation. Ambassador Markarova responded by emphasizing the importance of weapons in the war and the critical nature of the current situation. She also rejected the idea that the former President Donald Trump’s arguments against support for NATO were dictating the situation.

The interview then turned to the issue of the children who have been kidnapped by Russia as part of a state-sponsored program. Ambassador Markarova described this as a war crime and a tragedy, and noted that there are at least 30,000 other children who have been taken. She also discussed the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, which aims to formulate a mechanism for dealing with this issue.

The interview concluded with Margaret Brennan thanking Ambassador Markarova for her time and expressing her condolences for the loss of life in the war. Ambassador Markarova expressed her hope that democracies can stand their ground and that the necessary decisions will be taken to provide the necessary support to Ukraine.

In conclusion, the interview between Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova and Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation provided valuable insights into the current state of the war in Ukraine and the urgent need for continued support from the United States and its allies. Ambassador Markarova emphasized the importance of all forms of support, including military, budget, and humanitarian aid, and expressed her hope that the necessary decisions will be taken to provide this support and win the war. She also addressed the issue of the children who have been kidnapped by Russia and the need to deal with this war crime and tragedy. Overall, the interview underscored the importance of standing with Ukraine and supporting its efforts to defend its freedom and democracy.