Ukrainian-born Rep. Victoria Spartz(R-Indiana) has sparked criticism from her Republican colleagues over her criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In recent weeks, Spartz has accused Zelensky of “playing politics,” saying he needs to “start governing to better support his military and local governments.”
She further criticized Zelensky’s response to the war, saying, “You even act like you don’t have a war! You do not understand that you have the biggest war after the Second World War!”
The Indiana representative has not stopped at Zelensky. She has unleashed harsh criticism on his top aides as well.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko responded to Spartz’s comments in a Facebook post.
“We advise Ms. Spartz to stop trying to earn extra political capital on baseless speculation around the topic of war in our country and the grief of Ukrainians,” the statement read. “Especially cynical are manipulations about Ukraine and its leadership from congresswomen of Ukrainian origin.”
Despite the backlash, Spartz doesn’t seem to regret speaking out on her opinions.
“Growing up in Ukraine and visiting six times since the war started, I have a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground,” she said. “The stakes are too high to be reactive without deliberation — as intended for our institution.”
Republicans fear that she is sparking tension between the U.S. and Ukraine and that far-right members of their party will use her views to justify stopping support of Ukraine.
