US politics has seen a stark warning as Defense Secretary Pitkexet urged the country to prepare for war, comparing the current global situation to 1939 and 1981. 1939 marks the beginning of World War II, while 1981 saw an assassination attempt on President Reagan and crises involving Libya and Israel. These moments were defined by the looming threat to international stability.
Commentator Vitaliy Portnikov notes this statement reflects a shift in the Trump administration: from earlier optimism to a more realistic view of global challenges. Previously, Trump promised to swiftly end ongoing conflicts, but the war in Ukraine continues into the tenth month of his term. Unresolved issues in the Middle East and rising tension with China further spotlight mounting global risks.
The US applies economic pressure on Russia, yet without significant military aid to Ukraine, the conflict drags on. The situation in Gaza reveals allies' reluctance to intervene, while relations with the People’s Republic of China have evolved into a true economic war.
According to Portnikov, the lack of US military assistance leads to the loss of key Ukrainian cities, emboldening Vladimir Putin. Western indecision weakens confidence in democracies' strength.
Portnikov argues that only decisive action—such as supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons and permitting strikes on strategic Russian targets—can deter aggression. Otherwise, historical analogies alone will not prevent a repeat of the worst scenarios.
