On October 19, 2026, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent evaded a direct question from a journalist regarding whether Ukraine is an ally of the United States. During a press conference, he emphasized that Washington provides military support to Kyiv, not Moscow.
Avoidance of the Question
The journalist attempted to clarify Bessent's position on Ukraine's status three times, but he consistently avoided a direct answer. In response to the final question about whether he considers Ukraine an ally, the Treasury Secretary stated, "I am not the Secretary of State. I am not the President." This indicates his caution in making statements regarding US foreign policy.
Context of Military Support
Despite his avoidance of the question, Bessent highlighted the importance of military assistance to Ukraine. This underscores that the United States continues to support the Ukrainian military amid the conflict with Russia. Key aspects of military support include:
- Provision of weapons and military equipment.
- Financial assistance to cover defense expenditures.
- Joint training and exercises for military personnel.
Expert Reactions
Experts believe that Bessent's avoidance of the question may reflect the complexity of the political situation and the need for caution in phrasing. They emphasize that the status of an ally can have different meanings depending on the context, and that military support does not always equate to an official alliance.