In an interview featured on Friday’s episode of “The Issue Is,” White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby addressed criticism of spending money on Ukraine during times of issues in the United States by arguing that the conflict is about the very idea of independence, that it “has unquestionably had an effect on the American people” by having contributed to inflation, and that the cost “will be exorbitant” if Russia gets away with the invasion.

“You’ve heard from critics,” host Elex Michaelson enquired. “There are many who argue that while we have sympathy for the Ukrainian people, there are thousands of homeless individuals living on the streets of California, as example. If we can’t afford to care for our own citizens, why are we investing so much money abroad? What would you say to them?”

“I believe when you look at what’s happening in Ukraine, there are a handful of things,” Kirby said in response. “First and foremost, Elex, it’s the concept of independence itself, which is something that all Americans can support. We can all relate to what it’s like to struggle for one’s freedom or for a nation to continue to exist. The Ukrainian people are currently dealing with this. That is a goal that is shared by all Americans. Second, there is no doubt that this conflict has had an impact on the people of America. Although it is by no means the most drastic effect of this war, if you look at inflation and petrol costs, you can see how this war has impacted cost prices all over the world. The most severe impact is the massacre of defenseless men, women, and children in Ukraine, as well as the displacement of millions of people. The American people are aware of this, but the last thing I’d say is that if we just walk away from this and let Putin take over the entire country of Ukraine, where does it end? Next, what? And I can assure you that the price in blood and treasure, not just to the United States and Americans but to so many of our allies and partners, will be astronomically higher than the cost that has been incurred to keep Ukraine in the fight and to keep them in that fight successfully if he just gets away with this.”