John Deaton, a well-known XRP lawyer and former US Senate candidate, has criticized Elizabeth Warren, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine, questioning US spending, political motives, and military strategies.
His comments followed Vice President JD Vance’s post on X, where Vance claimed the war wouldn’t have started if Trump was in office and that continued US aid would not lead to victory for Ukraine. Deaton responded, calling for accountability on war spending and questioning the long-term strategy of US involvement.
Deaton questions US war spending and Ukraine strategy
Deaton said he was labeled a “traitor to democracy” simply for asking questions before agreeing to send more US funding to Ukraine. He compared his stance to Warren’s during their US Senate race, pointing out that she fully supported more aid while he demanded answers before committing more money.
“When I ran for US Senate, Elizabeth Warren and I were both asked about continued support for Ukraine,” Deaton said. “She said she wanted to send more money and listed Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the leader she admired most in the world. I said I wanted answers to basic questions BEFORE blindly agreeing to send more cash.”
Deaton, a retired Marine Corps officer, said his support for freedom and those who fight for it does not mean he will avoid asking questions. He called out Washington lawmakers for failing to present a clear plan.
“To the war mongers in Washington who do the bidding for the military-industrial complex, ‘Ukraine winning’ is NOT a plan—it’s a wish, a desire, not a strategy,” Deaton said.
He pointed out that after more than $200 billion in US aid, Ukraine has reached at best a stalemate, while many experts believe Russia now has the upper hand.
“I want to know: What’s the long-term strategy? Is there a path to victory? Are peace talks on the table?” Deaton said.
He criticized political leaders—including Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, and Warren—for not explaining why Ukraine joining NATO is suddenly a vital US interest. He also questioned whether the Biden administration’s stance on Ukraine changed from when Biden was Vice President under Barack Obama.
“When Joe Biden was Vice President, he said Ukraine was historically one of the most corrupt countries in the world,” Deaton said. “I guess that all changed overnight when he became president.”
Trump and Putin discuss Ukraine negotiations as tensions rise
Meanwhile, Trump and Putin have engaged in indirect negotiations over Ukraine, marking a significant shift in Russia-US relations.
Trump recently called Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections”, accusing him of silencing opposition while benefiting from US financial support. This came after Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the US holding negotiations with Russia without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
Putin responded by praising Trump, describing the negotiation efforts as more open and pragmatic compared to previous US administrations.
“In general, as I was told, the mood was very friendly,” Putin said, referring to recent talks between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.
Moscow, which has spent the last three years attacking the US politically and economically, appears to be doing a complete U-turn thanks to Trump’s relationship with Putin, who he has spoken to at least once since Jan. 20.
JD Vance defends Trump’s position on Ukraine
Vice President JD Vance weighed in, dismissing arguments from critics who accuse Trump of appeasing Russia.
“This is moralistic garbage,” Vance wrote on X. “For three years, President Trump and I have made two simple arguments: first, the war wouldn’t have started if Trump was in office; second, neither Europe, nor the Biden administration, nor the Ukrainians have any pathway to victory.”
Vance said the US must pursue peace now, arguing that the war is bad for Russia, Ukraine, and Europe—but especially for the US. He said Western leaders ignore the realities of the battlefield, while Russia continues to maintain numerical superiority in manpower and weapons.
“The aid is currently flowing,” Vance said. “Yet the numerical advantage of the Russians persists. Another aid package will not change that.”
Vance accused European leaders of over-relying on US defense spending while pursuing domestic policies that most Americans disagree with. He argued that US leverage over both Russia and Ukraine should be used to push for an immediate ceasefire.
Ukraine pushes back, dismisses Trump’s claims
Zelenskyy’s government responded to Trump’s accusations, calling his statements Russian “disinformation”.
Trump previously criticized Zelenskyy’s leadership, arguing that Ukraine has not held elections since 2019 and accusing him of using martial law to maintain power.
Ukraine officials pointed to a new poll from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, which found that 57% of Ukrainians still trust Zelenskyy despite the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy has maintained that elections cannot be held under martial law, which remains in place due to Russia’s continued military aggression.
Deaton calls for financial transparency on war aid
Deaton pushed back against endless war funding, asking whether another $50 billion would be enough or if more requests would follow within months.
“Before sending more money, can we get an audit showing exactly where every dollar went?” Deaton said.
He pointed out that the $200 billion already given to Ukraine could have funded domestic programs instead, including:
- Ending homelessness in America
- Universal Pre-K for 20 years
- Expanding Medicaid in states that haven’t adopted it
- Massive infrastructure and job creation
He criticized American foreign policy, saying that US leaders continue to push for foreign wars at the expense of domestic stability.
“America must get out of the Dick Cheney/Joe Biden Regime Change Coalition,” Deaton said.
