Sat Mar 01 22:40:00 UTC 2025: **GOP Silence on Putin and Ukraine Invasion Raises Concerns**
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three weeks into President Trump’s second term, a wave of concern is sweeping through Washington as his administration’s foreign policy dramatically shifts towards Russia. Trump’s actions, including initiating negotiations with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement and echoing Kremlin propaganda about President Zelenskyy, have left many questioning the Republican Party’s stance on the ongoing conflict.
The Atlantic conducted a survey of all 271 Republican members of Congress, posing two simple questions: “Did Russia invade Ukraine?” and “Is Putin a dictator?” The results revealed a stark division within the party. While some Republicans, such as Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Roger Wicker (MS), unequivocally affirmed Russia’s invasion and Putin’s dictatorial status, many others offered evasive responses.
Several Republican representatives and senators pointed to previous statements or links to interviews, avoiding a direct “yes” or “no” answer. Others, like Representative Darrell Issa (CA), refused to answer, questioning the intent of the survey. Even the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Representative Brian Mast (FL), offered a statement on X (formerly Twitter) affirming the facts but simultaneously suggesting that European allies should increase military spending. This response was deemed insufficient by The Atlantic.
The lack of straightforward responses from a significant number of Republican lawmakers has raised concerns about their commitment to upholding democratic values and confronting Russian aggression. The silence from many members, particularly those involved in national security decisions, leaves the public in the dark about where their elected officials stand on a pivotal issue of national and international importance. The full list of responses from every Republican member of Congress, along with ongoing updates, is available on The Atlantic’s website.
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