WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King challenged Elbridge Colby, the nominee to serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, to answer if Russia was responsible for starting the war in Ukraine. Over the course of King’s time in the Senate, he has consistently asked nominees whether they will tell the truth to the President despite the political pressures of any moment in time. Today’s exchange was consistent with the Senator’s track record, but Colby’s responses fell short of expectations.

During the line of questioning, Mr. Colby declined to answer Senator King’s direct questions and refused to condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine or acknowledge the looming threat to national security if the U.S. withdraws its support of Ukraine. The exchange comes the morning after President Trump announced a pause on aid to Ukraine following a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenksyy last week in the Oval Office.

“Mr. Colby, the Vice President characterized you as a truth teller — someone who would tell the truth to power. Yet today you have not told the truth about who started the war in Ukraine. I will give you one more chance: who started the war in Ukraine,” asked Senator King.

“Well, Senator to tell the truth I don't think I am saying anything untrue but it is important to be discreet and say things at the appropriate time and place,” replied Colby.

“The problem is you tell us you’re going to tell the tell truth to power and the most obvious truth is that Russia invaded Ukraine. Everybody in the world knows that and you will not say it here today because it appears that you don't want to offend the President but that is the whole point of the Vice President’s testimony that you will say truth to power, but you will not do it here today on the record. This is an obvious truth. It reminds me of the old country song, ‘who will you believe? Me or your own lying eyes?’ We all saw it,” said Senator King.

“The way I see it is diplomacy especially during a delicate period where I am hoping things that get back on track and head toward peace,” responded Colby.

“Shouldn't diplomacy be based on the truth? Well, you have made non-point I suppose,” said Senator King.

Later in the hearing, Senator King provided Colby another opportunity to defend support for Ukraine, asking him whether or not the recent announcement to cut aid to Ukraine was a smart policy decision. Again, Mr. Colby failed to answer King’s questions directly.

“One more truth to power question. Last week the United States ceased supporting the restoration and protection of the electric grid in Ukraine which the Russians have continuously targeted. Yesterday the administration announced the cut off of military aid to Ukraine. Do you believe that those two things together undermining the security of Ukraine in this critical moment are good ideas,” questioned Senator King.

“As I said I think the critical thing at this point is for advancing the peace process and for us and Kyiv to cooperate,” said Colby.

“You are all about policy. Do you think the cut off of aid Ukraine is good policy,” asked Senator King.

“I am only seeing the recent reports but the President has a plan for us to end this war and a sustainable model for a sovereign Ukraine and a Europe that can be more defensible. That is the route we should all take,” replied Colby.

Senator King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the Select Senate Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), has been a vocal supporter for Ukraine, voting in support of bipartisan bill last spring that would help Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan defend themselves. In the days prior to that vote, he spoke on the Senate floor to his colleague that Ukraine’s fight is a “battle for the soul of Democracy in the world.”  In January 2023, Senator King travelled with Armed Services Chairmen Jack Reed (D-R) in a visit to meet Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskyy in Kiev. Most recently, he joined CBS’ 60 Minutes to explain why walking away from Ukraine would be the nation’s greatest geopolitical mistake since World War II.

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