The organizers of the World Economic Forum in Davos summoned six senators and one congressman to investigate the question: Will Americans continue to support Ukraine even if the Republicans win the midterm elections to Congress in the fall?

In short, the answer is: yes.

Gerald Braunberger

Editor.

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Congress just overwhelmingly passed a $40 billion aid package, which many Republicans also approved.

"I'm not surprised because this is more than a battle for Ukraine," said Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez (New Jersey).

"This is a question of law and the preservation of international order since the Second World War."

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia was also positively surprised: "Ukraine has united the world and the American Congress in a way that I have never seen before."

"There are already isolationist tendencies in the Republican Party"

The two Republican senators present shared this view.

"When it comes to defense, House stands together," said Debra Fischer (Nebraska).

"The world should not be afraid that something will change in our attitude after the midterm elections," said Roger Wicker (Mississippi): "We found a bipartisan majority so quickly because it reflects the attitude of the majority of the American people. "

Wicker asked for understanding for the rejection by a minority of Republican senators and congressmen: “Before World War II there were many patriots in the United States who wanted to keep our country out of international obligations.

Such voices still exist today,” said Wicker, who pointed out such voices “on cable television” among other things.

It is important that the American people have the impression that the money is being used wisely.

"There are already isolationist tendencies in the Republican Party," Menendez warned.

There is agreement in Washington that the $40 billion aid package will not stop there.

Either before or after the midterm elections, requests for another package would be put to the Americans.

"As long as Russia continues its war and Ukraine fights, we will continue to support Ukraine," said Democratic Sen. Chris Coons (Delaware).

Putin hopes that the West will not maintain his support.

In view of the high prices for energy and food, this is a very serious issue.

The quicker the West puts Ukraine in a position to achieve military successes, the quicker the prospect of negotiations.

Menendez emphasized that the Ukrainians would have to define what counts as a win.

That is not a matter for the Americans and their partners.

However, the prosecution of war crimes does not only concern Ukraine.

This is a global message.

Germany not a role model for energy policy

Since the outbreak of Putin's war, the issue of energy security has gained in importance - for geostrategic reasons and with a view to climate policy.

There was agreement on the podium that Germany cannot be considered a role model for a successful energy policy because the country has become too dependent on Russian gas supplies in recent years.

One should not move away from coal and nuclear power too soon, Manchin said, as long as there are no viable alternatives.

With a wealth of oil, gas and other commodities, North America, made up of Canada, the United States and Mexico, could become an "energy colossus" capable of supporting not only itself but also others, Manchin said.

The current crisis also offers opportunities for the expansion of renewable energies, Menendez expects.

Republican Wicker countered Democrat Manchin's vision of an "energy colossus" with President Joe Biden's halting of the Keystone XL pipeline, which was designed to transport oil from Canada's Alberta province to the southern United States.

“The oil is still being produced – it's just being transported to New Orleans by truck now.” And so the American election campaign finally reached the stage at the Davos Congress Center.