Key Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been stalwart supporters of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however the blowup between the Ukrainian chief and President Trump is threatening to alter that.
Zelensky had traveled to Washington to signal a deal that may give the U.S. entry to its mineral riches as Trump makes an attempt to stress Ukraine right into a deal to finish the conflict with Russia. Though help for Ukraine has waned amongst GOP congressional members within the three years since Russia invaded, key Republicans hoped the deal would revive American help for Kyiv.
As an alternative, the fallout from a heated Oval Workplace alternate Friday between Trump, Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance has many Republicans — even those that beforehand backed Ukraine — scolding Zelensky. For different GOP lawmakers who’ve lengthy criticized U.S. help for Ukraine, the alternate was a possibility to laud Trump for berating Ukraine’s chief. And for Democrats, it was proof that Trump is enjoying into the fingers of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Right here’s what congressional lawmakers are saying as the way forward for Ukraine hangs within the steadiness:
Republicans who’ve supported Ukraine prior to now
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina:
Graham referred to as the assembly a “full, utter catastrophe” and stated he’s “by no means been extra proud” of Trump.
“What I noticed within the Oval Workplace was disrespectful and I don’t know if we will ever do enterprise with Zelensky once more.”
SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO:
“Thanks @POTUS for standing up for America in a method that no President has ever had the braveness to do earlier than. Thanks for placing America First. America is with you!”
HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana:
“The dying and destruction of the Russian-provoked conflict must cease instantly, and solely our American President can put these two international locations on a path to lasting peace. President Zelensky wanted to acknowledge that, and settle for the extraordinary mineral rights partnership proposal that President Trump placed on the desk. What we witnessed within the Oval Workplace at present was an American President placing America first.”
REP. DON BACON, Nebraska:
“A nasty day for America’s international coverage. Ukraine desires independence, free markets and rule of legislation. It desires to be a part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We needs to be clear that we stand for freedom.”
REP. MIKE LAWLER, New York:
“Diplomacy is hard and infrequently instances there are critical variations of opinion and heated exchanges behind closed doorways. Having this spill out into public view was a catastrophe — particularly for Ukraine.”
REP. BRIAN FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania:
“It was heartbreaking to witness the flip of occasions that transpired in at present’s assembly concerning Ukraine’s future. It’s time to put comprehensible feelings apart and are available again to the negotiation desk.”
Republicans who’re against Ukraine assist
SEN. JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri:
“Bear in mind: the U.S. Senate has repeatedly and for years voted BILLIONS of taxpayer {dollars} to Ukraine with no strings connected and with no true oversight. It’s time for some ACCOUNTABILITY.”
SEN. MIKE LEE, Utah:
“Thanks for standing up for OUR COUNTRY and placing America first, President Trump and Vice President Vance!”
SEN. ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas:
“Not one other penny.”
REP. ANDY BIGGS, Arizona:
“Dictator Zelensky had the audacity to disrespect President @realDonaldTrump and VP @JDVance throughout what ought to have been a pleasant assembly, and @POTUS rightfully confirmed him the door. That is the management America has craved for 4 years.”
Democrats, who as a celebration overwhelmingly help Ukraine
SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHARLES E. SCHUMER, New York:
“Trump and Vance are doing Putin’s soiled work. Senate Democrats won’t ever cease combating for freedom and democracy.”
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES, New York:
“At present’s White Home assembly with the President of Ukraine was appalling and can solely serve to additional embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The USA should not reward Russian aggression and proceed to appease Putin.”
SEN. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut:
“My robust and passionate hope is that the talks may be resumed or restored, and this occasion gained’t derail continued help.”
“I’ve very robust hopes that the coalition now we have in Congress — and it’s a very robust bipartisan coalition — will likely be persuasive to the administration and others that now we have a long-term nationwide safety curiosity in Ukraine prevailing over Putin’s brazen aggression.”
SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota:
“Reply to Vance: Zelensky has thanked our nation over and over each privately and publicly. And our nation thanks HIM and the Ukrainian patriots who’ve stood as much as a dictator, buried their very own & stopped Putin from marching proper into the remainder of Europe. Disgrace on you.”
SEN. CHRIS MURPHY, Connecticut:
“It was a deliberate ambush designed to embarrass President Zelensky in an effort to profit Vladimir Putin. That was a humiliation. That was an abomination. What you watched was American energy being destroyed on this planet as all people watches President Trump turn into a lapdog for a brutal dictator in Moscow.”
