After former President Donald Trump referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator,” some Republican senators are rallying behind Trump’s demand that Zelensky face re-election in Ukraine.
While a number of party members continue to blame Russian President Vladimir Putin for the war, Trump has dramatically shifted his position, accusing Zelensky of starting the conflict and claiming he “should have ended it.”
Continued Support for Putin’s Role in the War
Some Republican senators, like Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), still firmly place the blame for the war squarely on Putin’s shoulders.
“I think Vladimir Putin started the war,” Kennedy said, calling Putin a “gangster with a black heart,” and comparing him to the brutal dictator Joseph Stalin.
Despite this, Trump’s recent comments have caused a stir among his party, with many grappling to reconcile his shift in stance.
Trump and GOP Senators Demand Ukraine Elections
Despite this, some Senate Republicans are supporting Trump’s suggestion that Zelensky, who imposed martial law after Russia’s invasion, should hold elections before any peace deal can be reached.
The demand aligns with a key request from Moscow. “We need elections in Ukraine,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) after a Senate luncheon. “Soon,” he added.
Another Trump ally, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m concerned they haven’t held an election in a long time, and we are funding their government.”
Hawley made comparisons to World War II, stating, “We held elections during World War II… Britain held elections during World War II.
They’re a democracy, and they should hold elections. I don’t think that’s different.”
Zelensky’s Response and Diplomatic Efforts
In response, Zelensky posted on social media expressing appreciation for the ongoing support from the U.S. Congress, calling it vital in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
He also reached out to international leaders, fearing Ukraine may be left at a disadvantage in peace negotiations.
Zelensky mentioned he would be meeting with Trump’s envoy, General Keith Kellogg, to discuss security guarantees and the path to peace.
Criticism of Zelensky’s Public Comments on Trump
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky’s public remarks about Trump, arguing that Zelensky’s attempts to discredit the former president were unwise.
Vance told DailyMail.com, “The idea that Zelensky is going to change the president’s mind by bad-mouthing him in public media is an atrocious way to deal with this administration.”
Trump Labels Zelensky a Dictator
Trump’s comments have stirred controversy, especially after he attacked Zelensky as a “modestly successful comedian” and accused him of starting the war.
Moscow, alongside Trump, has now demanded that Zelensky stand for re-election before any peace deal takes place, setting the stage for further discussions on Ukraine’s future.
The recent talks between U.S. and Russian negotiators also touched on potential economic cooperation, including joint oil and gas drilling in the Arctic.
GOP Senators Struggle to Address Trump’s Shift in Policy
Trump’s remarks have forced Republican lawmakers to reassess their stance, with some attempting to distance themselves from his latest position.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, for example, said, “The President speaks for himself,” acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) disagreed with Trump’s decision to meet with Russian negotiators without involving Ukraine, saying that Ukraine must be present at the table, given the circumstances of the invasion.
Strong Rebukes for Putin’s Actions
On the other hand, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), continue to condemn Putin’s actions, calling him a “war criminal” who should face severe consequences.
Wicker stated on CNN, “No. Putin is a war criminal who should be in jail for the rest of his life, if not executed.”
Shifting Dynamics in the GOP’s Approach to Ukraine
The shifting rhetoric around Ukraine within the Republican Party is creating confusion and debate, as Trump’s calls for changes in Ukraine’s leadership conflict with the long-standing party support for the country’s sovereignty.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the GOP will respond to these evolving dynamics and how the U.S. will navigate its relationship with both Ukraine and Russia moving forward.
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