Miller-Meeks critical of Biden’s ‘slow response’ but says Americans should support Ukraine

Although Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, is disappointed in the Biden administration’s “slow response” to the war in Ukraine, the congresswoman on Feb. 23 voiced her support of the Eastern European country which has been defending itself against Russian military for the past year.

Specifically, Miller-Meeks questioned why President Joe Biden has not held a national address on Ukraine, a move that she said could inform Americans of the extent of the United State’s support. She also said it would give the president an opportunity to explain why the United States is supporting Ukraine.

“Ultimately we have done the correct thing in my view,” she said. “There are people who are on both sides of the aisle who do not believe this is a conflict with which we should be involved. But I think that it has been a slow response. As I said, I think the American people need to know why it’s important we’re there.”

While attending a listening post at the Newton Public Library, Miller-Meeks spoke in-depth about the war in Ukraine, which has met its one-year anniversary. In addition to Iowa sharing a sister state relationship with the country, the city of Newton has maintained a more than 30-year sister city bond with Smila, Ukraine.

Larry Hurto, a local historian who maintains contact with many Ukrainians who have visited Newton, and city council member Mark Hallam probed the congresswoman’s convictions about the war and the effects of the invasion. Miller-Meeks stressed the need for a national address from Biden.

“Even though we don’t have troops on the ground, I can explain to people why we need to be in Ukraine. But it’s a presidential responsibility when you’re going to engage in a conflict, even if we’re in a supportive role in a conflict,” she said. “I think it’s incumbent upon the president of either party to explain.”

In a follow-up with Newton News, Miller-Meeks clarified she does not believe the United States needs to send troops to the frontline but can continue providing military arms support and humanitarian aid. She said it is important for America to have a positive result from supporting Ukraine during this conflict.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked and unprecedented. Miller-Meeks questioned the motivations of Russian President Vladimir Putin, speculating if he wants access to clearwater ports or access to the Black Sea or a reconvening of the Soviet Union. Regardless of the motivation, Putin has chosen to be the aggressor.

“I think people did not expect Ukrainian people to put up such a contest for their liberty,” Miller-Meeks said. “Some people say Putin invaded Ukraine because Ukraine is too Western and Kyiv is the start of a Russian Orthodox Church. I don’t know the cultural issues surrounding that.”

But it’s more than about Ukraine, she added, it’s about the Naval Alliance and the surrounding countries Lithuania, Romania, Poland and Latvia. If Russia is successful, the geopolitical alliances in the region will change. Also important is Ukraine being able to maintain their land and defend their Democratic liberties.

“Those, to me, are reasons why we’re there,” Miller-Meeks said.

AMERICANS SHOULD SHOW THEIR SUPPORT OF UKRAINE

Miller-Meeks stands out from the faction of about a dozen House Republicans who have adamantly voiced opposition to the United States supporting Ukraine, a stance echoed by far right media pundits pushing Russian propaganda and framing the defending country’s president as corrupt.

The congresswoman representing Iowa’s 1st congressional district agreed it is important for Americans to show their support for Ukraine.

“I think it has international importance,” Miller-Meeks said.

Meanwhile, others in the Republican Party have slammed the president for making a surprise visit to Ukraine rather than visiting East Palestine, Ohio, following a train derailment that has since caused environmental issues due to spillage of toxic chemicals.

Newton News asked Miller-Meeks if those complaints from Republican lawmakers harm the message that Americans should support Ukraine, reasoning that some people may be led to believe it is about either choosing Ukraine or choosing the United States. Miller-Meeks said Biden could visit both.

“The train derailment in Ohio occurred over two weeks ago,” she said. “He hasn’t been there. The secretary of transportation (Pete Buttigieg) has not been there. The situation may be more serious. I think when you have disasters such as these, people welcome having higher level government recognition for them.”

Correction: At the time Miller-Meeks was visiting with constituents in Newton, Buttigieg had finally visited Ohio.

Referencing the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, Miller-Meeks said Biden could have visited Ukraine at almost any point in the past year.

“He could have addressed why we’re there from the State of the Union or from Kyiv or from surrounding countries,” she said. “He could have done it when the approval for the Scandinavian countries to be part of NATO … I think there have been numerous opportunities for President Biden to engage on the issue.”

LOCAL SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE HAS BEEN STRONG

From the moment Russian military forces invaded Ukraine in late February 2022, Mariya Dovganyuk said she wanted to know why they attacked her home country. The Ukraine-born Newton citizen is known throughout the community for her love of country and the museum-like cultural displays in her home.

Newton News reported about Dovganyuk and her daughter, Sveta Miller, last year. Their eyes welled with tears talking about the attacks on their country, which is filled with what they described as hard-working, hospitable people who are proud of their culture and history.

Dovganyuk told Newton News she did not understand why people from another country were storming into Ukraine and killing her people.

“Russia has big land. Huge land. They have enough land to live. They have food to eat, right? What do they need from Ukraine? … Why has this happened? Why?” Dovganyuk said. “It’s hard and I know so many Russian people against war. But it’s happened. And they’re killing our people.”

Conflict between Ukraine and Russia has persisted since 2014, perhaps even longer. Miller learned of the attacks late at night but she had been following the news of the Russian military buildup for much longer.

“That was quite a shock because I was hoping it was all talk — but I guess it wasn’t,” Miller told Newton News. “Our friends keep telling us about the Russian army that kept congregating around the borders. A lot of the borders have had armies for many years. But they kept noticed them increasing.”

Which mirrors experiences of Ukrainian refugee Alina Poznanska, who currently resides in Newton. Poznanska recently shared her first-hand recollections of the invasion during a presentation at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, which also served as a fundraiser to support the Ukrainian armed forces.

Community support has been strong since the invasion. From bake sales to prayer services to Gezellig Brewing Co. and NoCoast Beer Co. making a Ukraine-inspired craft beer whose proceeds supported the country. A Ukrainian exchange student spoke highly of the support in 2022.

“It’s really pleasing to see that, because we’re like really far away from Ukraine. We have all different lifestyles and mentalities, but it’s really nice to see even different people from different countries support you,” Koshtura said. “It’s really nice.”