In words and action, President Trump should support Britain’s response to Russia over the March 4 attack on Sergei Skripal. The attack left Skripal and his daughter in critical condition and a police officer seriously ill. But while the White House on Monday offered its “fullest condemnation” of the assassination attempt, it did not specifically call out Russia.
That’s concerning, because hours prior to Sanders’ statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May told Parliament that it is “highly likely” Russia is responsible for the attack. Sanders and Trump would have known this. As of 3:55 p.m. Monday, however, Trump has made no comments on the matter. Trump should address the evident gap in U.S. shoulder-to-shoulder support by saying something like:
Still, that’s not enough on its own. When the time is right, Trump should publicize a U.S. intelligence finding as to the likelihood of Russian culpability in the Skripal attack. Such a comment need not jeopardize sources and methods, but might look like the following:
While the U.S. intelligence community would likely need one or two weeks to make that assessment, the fact that Britain is already highly confident of Russia’s involvement means that a U.S. intelligence finding shouldn’t take that long. After all, the U.K.-U.S. intelligence relationship is exceptionally close.
Regardless, when it comes to Russia, unity is crucial. Trump must back up our closest ally.
