Republican senators face mounting pressure to respond to former President Donald Trump’s claims labeling Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” amid ongoing U.S.-Russia peace negotiations. While avoiding direct criticism of Trump, lawmakers like Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized diplomatic resolutions:
“I’m in support of a peaceful outcome… it’s in everybody’s best interest to end this war.”
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) rejected Trump’s characterization but echoed concerns about Ukraine’s delayed wartime elections: “When you claim to defend democracy, you need to practice it.” Others, including Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), launched scathing attacks on Vladimir Putin, calling him a “gangster with a black heart” while cautiously framing Trump’s rhetoric as a push for conflict resolution.
Internal GOP divisions emerged as senators navigated loyalty to Trump and policy principles. Notable responses included:
- Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) endorsing Trump’s negotiating tactics: “He’s a master negotiator… we should cheer his efforts.”
- Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) defending Zelenskyy: “The instigator was Putin, who launched an unprovoked attack.”
- Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) evading reporters’ questions entirely.
With Ukraine excluded from recent U.S.-Russia talks, bipartisan criticism grows over potential concessions to Putin. Defense Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS) sidestepped Trump’s statements, while Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) bluntly declared, “Putin’s a dictator… an international criminal.” As pressure mounts ahead of 2026 midterms, the balancing act highlights deepening fractures within Republican foreign policy strategies.