As published (The McCain Institute - January 25, 2022) WASHINGTON, D.C. – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University today released the following statement from John S. McCain Distinguished Fellow and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper regarding Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions against Ukraine: “The United States must do more to deter a Russian invasion, reassure our NATO Allies, and stand firm with Ukraine. This means deploying American forces now to help defend our frontline allies from the Baltics to the Black Sea and send a powerful message of resolve to Vladimir Putin. Next, Washington and other NATO capitals need to reinforce Ukraine with increased arms, ammunition, intelligence, logistical support, training, and planning. Finally, the Biden Administration needs to lead a clear, detailed, and unified statement of support from all NATO capitals, especially Berlin, that a Russian incursion of any size, or an action of any type, against Ukraine will be met with a broad and severe range of sanctions and economic penalties. The democracies of the world must act with principle and never give an inch when dealing with autocrats like Vladimir Putin. Much is on the line now, and the world is watching.”