GOP Lawmaker Blames Biden For Russia-Ukraine War: Putin 'Never Would Have Invaded'

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has blamed President Joe Biden for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, arguing that the administration had been too slow in providing weaponry to the Ukrainians.

Speaking during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” the California Republican argued that, had the United States sent weaponry overseas sooner, Russia might never have pushed through with the invasion.

“This is going to get stronger and rougher, and what really needs to happen is Ukraine is not asking for American men and women to fight. All they’re asking for is the weapons to defend themselves,” McCarthy told Fox News' Washington correspondent Mike Emanuel.

“If we would have taken those actions earlier instead of waiting until after Russia invaded, they probably never would have invaded, had we done that sooner,” he said.

McCarthy also argued that if weapons were sent to Ukraine earlier, “thousands of lives” might have been spared.

"Had we moved the weapons to Ukraine earlier, that they could defend themselves, it would have saved thousands of lives and probably the decision of Putin not to enter,” he added.

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Biden administration has sent nearly $3 billion to help Ukrainians in their battle against Russian soldiers. The administration has also sent over 1,400 Stinger anti-craft systems, 5,000 Javelin anti-armor systems and 7,000 anti-armor systems to Ukraine.

In addition to the weaponry, the Biden administration has also sent over 50 million rounds of ammunition and laser-guided rocket systems to Ukraine since the conflict began, according to a fact sheet released by the Department of Defense on April 7.

“The administration is continuing to work with allies and partners to identify additional weapons systems to help the Ukrainian military defend its country,” the fact sheet read.

Despite sending thousands in weaponry, McCarthy slammed the Biden administration for refusing to allow Poland to send over MiG-29 fighter jets to a U.S. airbase in Ramstein, Germany, so they could be transported to Ukraine. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the proposal raised serious concerns for the NATO alliance.