Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski called herself ‘sick to my stomach’ over what she called a Trump administration turn toward Russia as the explosive Oval Office meeting shocked allies and raised fears Moscow would double down on its tactics.
Murkowski, a centrist Republican who voted to impeach Trump, condemned the angry clash between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X, even as fellow Republicans like Secretary of State Marco Rubio heaped praise on Trump for upholding his ‘America First’ policy.
European allies were huddling this weekend, amid fears that Trump’s angry statement could trigger a withholding of $4 billion security funding for Ukraine that Trump could freeze.
‘This week started with administration officials refusing to acknowledge that Russia started the war in Ukraine. It ends with a tense, shocking conversation in the Oval Office and whispers from the White House that they may try to end all U.S. support for Ukraine,’ wrote Murkowski, in some of the most critical comments of Trump from any prominent elected Republican over the war.
‘I know foreign policy is not for the faint of heart, but right now, 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,’ she added.
Her comments came as Murkowski greeted Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race races and dog teams for the annual race.
Her remarks came as other Republicans considered Ukraine hawks, such as Trump loyalist Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) joined Trump in going after Zelensky.
Graham, who was at the White House Friday during the showdown, called it a “complete utter disaster” and said Zelensky was “disrespectful” to Trump.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now discussing a ‘coalition of the willing,’ and says Britain and France will seek to negotiate a cease fire plan with Russia that they would then present the U.S.
He is also backing up Zelensky, telling the BBC, ‘I’m clear in my mind he does want lasting peace, he does want an end to the fighting in Ukraine.’
Moscow continues to celebrate the latest U.S. posture, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov now saying the administration ‘is fast changing all foreign policy configurations’ and that ‘this coincides with our vision in many ways.’
