Are Americans Ready To Pay The Cost If Russia Wins In Ukraine?

The Forbes column says that a Russian victory could mean higher taxes, higher cost of living, and even more American defence spending.[1] It adds that such an outcome could threaten energy supplies and international shipping, driving up fuel prices and inflation.[1]The piece cites the Council on Foreign Relations, writing that Congress has made approximately $196 billion available in spending related to the Ukraine war, including expenditures beyond assistance delivered directly to Kyiv.[1] The author says the comparison is "between the cost of deterring Russia today and potentially confronting a more dangerous Russia tomorrow."[1]On China, the column says a Russian victory would not automatically cause China to invade Taiwan, and that Beijing makes its own calculations.[1] It argues, however, that "China is undoubtedly watching how Western democracies respond to Moscow's aggression."[1]The author also writes that this "does not mean Americans need to support an endless war or give Ukraine a blank check."[1] He says Americans are entitled to insist that Europe carry more of the burden, and to demand a realistic strategy for ending the war.[1] It estimated that maintaining security in a strategic environment in which Russia is victorious over Ukraine could cost the United States an additional $808 billion in defense spending over five years.[2]