Republican Senators Criticize Trump's Ukraine Claims

At the Conservative Political Action Conference, Donald Trump reiterated controversial views on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a 'dictator' while expressing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump falsely claimed that Ukraine initiated the war and demanded that Ukraine repay the U.S. for military aid by granting mineral rights. In contrast, GOP Senators Roger Wicker and John Kennedy publicly condemned Trump's stance, describing Putin as an 'evil man' and emphasizing that he cannot be trusted in peace negotiations. Senator Tillis also pushed back against Trump's assertions, highlighting the need for Ukraine's sovereignty and criticizing previous administrations' handling of the conflict. Amidst these tensions, both Republican and Democratic leaders are grappling with the implications of Trump's remarks on U.S. foreign policy and support for Ukraine. The divide within the GOP over Trump's pro-Putin rhetoric reflects broader concerns about the party's direction and its stance on international alliances.