Senator’s defense of foreign leader under investigation
Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma expressed his support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in light of concerns about Russia breaking agreements. Lankford stated that Zelenskyy’s worries about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s untrustworthiness are valid, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s relationship with the United States. This comes after a contentious meeting in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelenskyy, where the Ukrainian leader was criticized for his diplomatic approach and allegedly insufficient gratitude towards the U.S. Despite Zelenskyy’s expressions of gratitude towards the U.S., the Trump administration has been critical of him, with some officials even suggesting his resignation. The administration’s stance on Ukraine’s conflict with Russia has raised concerns about the future of U.S. support for its longtime ally. Lankford defended Trump’s efforts to facilitate peace talks and urged both countries to work towards a peaceful resolution. Criticism of Zelenskyy’s leadership and doubts about his commitment to a U.S.-led peace deal were prominent in recent statements by Trump administration officials, overshadowing concerns about Putin’s actions. National security adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the need for a leader who can effectively engage in negotiations with both the U.S. and Russia to end the conflict, highlighting the importance of concessions from both sides. The ongoing scrutiny of Zelenskyy’s leadership and the administration’s approach to the conflict with Russia have sparked debates about the future of U.S. relations with Ukraine.
Douglas Lutnick remarked on Fox News that Zelenskyy’s appeals to the U.S., which included pleas for security assurances, were deemed as “absurd.” “Zelenskyy needed to receive this message directly from the monetary source of the United States of America: We will not provide funding unless your intentions are geared towards peace,” Lutnick asserted.
Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, also appeared on Fox News expressing that “Trump acknowledges the immediate necessity to put an end to this conflict,” while highlighting that “Zelenskyy seems to have different objectives in mind.” Gabbard added, “He has indicated his desire to terminate this conflict, but seemingly only on terms that he perceives as leading to a victory for Ukraine, even if it comes at the grave risk of potentially sparking World War III or a nuclear confrontation.”
Following a meeting in the Oval Office, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina initially proposed the idea of Zelenskyy stepping down, stating that the Ukrainian president “must either resign and appoint a representative with whom we can engage in diplomacy, or amend his approach.” However, Senator Lankford dismissed the GOP’s suggestions for Zelenskyy’s resignation, emphasizing on Sunday that he believes “such a move would plunge Ukraine into disarray at a critical juncture, in terms of identifying a suitable negotiator to facilitate peaceful resolution.”
While a handful of Republican members in Congress have voiced their objections to the United States’ foreign policy shift, a majority have chosen to remain silent or align themselves with the views of the Trump administration. Senator John Curtis of Utah expressed being “deeply troubled” by the U.S.’s recent United Nations vote, while Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska criticized the “blunder” made by the Trump Administration concerning Ukraine.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska strongly criticized the administration’s stance, stating on Saturday, “I am appalled by the administration’s seeming abandonment of our allies and its alignment with Putin, who poses a significant threat to democracy and the core values of the United States on a global scale.”
Michael Waltz, casting doubt on the administration’s ability to broker a resolution to the conflict, remarked on CNN, “I am uncertain whether both sides can be brought to the negotiating table at this juncture.” In the past, Trump had boldly proclaimed that he could bring an end to the war in Ukraine within a day or even before assuming office.
