Republican senator is ‘sick to her stomach’ over Trump’s ’embrace’ of Putin after White House Zelensky meeting

In a recent Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance engaged in a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The confrontation arose when Zelensky pressed for security assurances as part of a potential ceasefire with Russia, leading Trump and Vance to criticize him for perceived ingratitude toward U.S. support.

This incident has elicited a spectrum of reactions from U.S. lawmakers. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed profound concern over the administration’s stance, stating, “I am sick to my stomach as the administration appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin, a threat to democracy and U.S. values around the world.”

Other Republican figures have echoed Murkowski’s apprehensions. Senator Susan Collins criticized the deteriorating discourse during the meeting and advocated for a more constructive approach to achieving lasting peace for Ukraine. Representative Don Bacon described the events as “a bad day for America’s foreign policy,” emphasizing Ukraine’s desire to align with Western values. Similarly, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick labeled the situation as “heartbreaking,” expressing hope for renewed discussions between the leaders.

Conversely, some Republicans have praised Trump’s firm stance. Senator Rick Scott lauded the president for “standing up for America’s best interests,” asserting that the international community should not solely rely on American taxpayers.

The incident has also influenced international relations. Following the contentious meeting, Zelensky received strong support from European leaders during a summit in London. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, announcing a £2.26 billion loan to assist in the war effort.French President Emmanuel Macron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baer Bock also expressed solidarity with Ukraine, underscoring concerns over Russia’s actions.

This episode highlights a growing divide within the Republican Party regarding U.S. foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine. While some members advocate for steadfast support of allies like Ukraine, others align with Trump’s more conciliatory approach toward Russia, reflecting broader debates about America’s role on the global stage.