Rubio: Ukraine a US National Security Issue Because It's an 'Economic Issue'

Rubio: Ukraine a US National Security Issue Because It's an 'Economic Issue'

On Wednesday’s “On the Record” on the Fox News Channel, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) explained why the United States has an interest in Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine.

Partial transcript as follows:

VAN SUSTEREN: How is that a national security issue for us?

RUBIO: Because the United States — it’s actually an economic issue for us. We cannot allow any country in the world to be afraid to engaged us commercially as Ukraine tried to do in engaging the West. Because they are afraid of a more powerful neighbor. In the 21st century we have to be able to sell our products and services to any market in the world without being intimidated by a powerful neighbor. If we allow this to stand undeterred it will set an example not just for Russia but for China, for Iran, for North Korea for other countries that have genomic aspiration to intimidate their neighbors and tell them if you grow closer to the United States and the West, this is what will happen to you so it’s a direct threat to our economy.

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