Senior figures in the Republican Party in the United States have opposed statements made by President Donald Trump targeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In recent days, Trump has intensified criticism of Zelensky, describing him as a "dictator without an election" and suggesting that Ukraine bears responsibility for the Russian invasion of the neighboring country.
The president's statements have raised concerns among figures within the Republican Party, who are concerned that signaling a willingness to cut off support for Kiev could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump's insistence on portraying Zelensky in a negative light stands in stark contrast to many Republican senators, who continue to see Ukraine as a victim of Russian aggression.
Key Republican senators have expressed strong support for Ukraine.
Senator John Kennedy (Republican of Louisiana) did not mince words when speaking about the threat posed by Putin, describing him as a "gangster with a black heart... who makes Jeffrey Dahmer [serial killer] look like Mother Teresa."
"It's Vladimir Putin who started the war," Kennedy said. "I also believe, through bitter experience, that Vladimir Putin is a gangster... He has Stalin's thirst for blood."
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) echoed Kennedy's concerns, saying that talks to end the Russian occupation of Ukraine should be conducted with the involvement of Ukrainians and should take into account European interests.
"Putin is a war criminal and should spend the rest of his life in prison, or even be executed," he said.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Ukrainian Service, the head of Ukraine's Central Election Commission, Oleh Didenko, said that only Russia benefits from discussions about holding elections in Ukraine.
"This issue is being raised to undermine the legitimacy of the Government in Ukraine, to weaken trust in the executive, to weaken support for Ukraine from international partners," he said.
"In my opinion, this is an element of hybrid warfare that is being actively used by our enemy."
These statements came after Trump wrote a day earlier on Truth Social that “we are successfully negotiating with Russia to end the war.” He added that Zelensky “had better act quickly, or there will be no country left.”
Trump's reactions came after Zelensky accused Trump of living in the Russian "disinformation space."
Senator Thom Tillis (Republican from North Carolina) disagreed with Trump's characterization of Zelensky, calling him a "dictator," even though Tillis did not directly criticize the American president.
"That's not the word I would use," he said, adding that "there is no moral balance between Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky."
"Clearly, Vladimir Putin is responsible for this war," Tillis said. "His decision-making has resulted in the murder, rape, torture and abduction of an unknown number of Ukrainians. He bears responsibility for this war."
Senate Leader John Thune (Republican from North Dakota) also did not criticize Trump for the statements made.
"The president speaks for himself," he told reporters. "I support a peaceful outcome and conclusion in Ukraine... And, I think right now, the administration, the president and his team are working to achieve that."
Although Zelensky's presidential term was scheduled to end in May 2024, Ukraine has not been able to hold elections because the country declared a state of war after Russia launched its invasion of the neighboring country in February 2022./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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