Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama recently questioned the Commander of United States European Command, Christopher Cavoli, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing regarding the escalating tensions with Russia. Senator Tuberville expressed concerns about the increasing likelihood of a conflict with Russia and the readiness levels of the United States military.

During the hearing, Senator Tuberville raised various important questions to General Cavoli. He inquired about the situation in Ukraine and the potential for conflict with Russia. Senator Tuberville asked, "Have we got a game plan for that? For how many people we’re going to need on the ground, young men and women from the United States when this war starts?"

In response to Tuberville's questions, General Cavoli acknowledged the escalating tensions with Russia and discussed operational plans in place for various scenarios. When asked about the budget implications of a potential conflict with Russia, Cavoli stated, "if we were to go to war with Russia, the money we’re spending in Ukraine would be a drop in the bucket."

Senator Tuberville also questioned the availability of energy resources for a potential war, to which Cavoli responded, "that’s outside of my area of expertise, but I’m sure I can get you the answer." Tuberville further inquired about the readiness of other nations in supporting the United States in a conflict with Russia, to which Cavoli expressed confidence that most NATO countries would stand together.

In discussing the military capabilities of Ukraine and Russia, General Cavoli shared that Ukraine currently has between 900,000 and 1,000,000 soldiers, while Russia has deployed 470,000 troops within Ukraine. Cavoli also noted the increase in the size of the Russian military since the conflict began.

Senator Tommy Tuberville concluded his questioning by asking about the urgency in the supply chain for building necessary munitions. General Cavoli acknowledged an increased urgency in demand for munitions but could not speak to the urgency in production.

Senator Tuberville, who represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on multiple committees, including the Senate Armed Services Committee, continues to monitor the growing Russia threat and advocate for the readiness of the United States military in the face of escalating tensions.