Foreign Wars or Local Needs?

As of May 2025, the United States has allocated over $113 billion in aid to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in 2022, encompassing military, economic, and humanitarian assistance. This substantial expenditure has prompted debates among U.S. taxpayers regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of such support.

The human toll of the war is staggering. Estimates suggest that Russian forces have suffered approximately 950,000 casualties, with 160,000 occurring in the first four months of 2025 alone. Ukrainian military casualties are estimated at around 400,000 killed or injured, with 35,000 missing. Civilian fatalities in Ukraine have reached approximately 12,910. The conflict has also displaced about 10.2 million Ukrainians, including 6.5 million refugees who have fled the country. Currently, Russian forces occupy approximately 112,657 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, accounting for about 18.7% of the country.

Public opinion in both Ukraine and the United States reflects a growing desire for a negotiated resolution. A Gallup poll conducted in late 2024 found that 52% of Ukrainians support immediate negotiations to end the war, even if it involves territorial concessions. Similarly, a February 2024 survey by the Quincy Institute and Harris Poll revealed that 69% of Americans favor the U.S. urging Ukraine to engage in diplomatic negotiations with Russia as soon as possible to end the war.

These statistics underscore the immense human and financial costs of the conflict and highlight a significant shift in public sentiment toward seeking a diplomatic solution. Yet Jay Ruby ignores the facts, and the will of a majority of voters, in favor of his political agenda. Can we trust someone like this on Prescott City Council?