Rep. Mike Turner Asserts ‘You Can’t Be America First and Pro-Russia’ Amid Ongoing Peace Talks in Ukraine

GOP Rep. Mike Turner from Ohio raised some important points on Sunday about the White House’s suggested plan to end the war in Ukraine. He believes it leans too much toward Russia. Turner emphasized that any peace talks must treat Russia as a “skeptical adversary.”

During an interview on “Face the Nation,” he acknowledged that President Biden’s goal for peace is critical. His comments came as Ukrainian negotiators met with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff is set to visit Moscow later this week.

Rubio stated that the goal isn’t just to stop the fighting but to ensure Ukraine remains a sovereign and independent nation. This follows backlash against a previous peace proposal from the White House, which many said favored Russia. Some of its provisions were previously rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, updates suggest some progress has been made.

Turner expressed frustration with the way this proposal has unfolded. He highlighted that it’s crucial for the U.S. to view Russia as an undeniable adversary instead of a potential ally. He pointed out that Russia is developing new nuclear weapons targeting the U.S. and frequently engages in cyberattacks.

“There’s a need for balance in any peace deal,” Turner stated. “This isn’t just a military conflict; it’s a brutal war that harms innocent civilians in Ukraine.”

He expressed concern about reports suggesting that there were talks about giving Russian President Putin a chance to communicate with President Trump before President Zelenskyy. Turner argued that Zelenskyy’s voice should be prioritized in these discussions.

As for Witkoff, Turner said it’s important to see the full context of any negotiations. When asked about specific comments from Witkoff’s call with the Kremlin, he emphasized that understanding and caution about Ukraine’s autonomy must be at the forefront.

Rubio called the recent meeting productive, focusing on facilitating lasting security for Ukraine. While progress has been made, he acknowledged that many challenges still lie ahead, especially with other parties involved in the negotiations.

In recent years, the conflict in Ukraine has drawn attention globally, becoming a key issue in international relations. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly 60% of Americans believe the U.S. should take a stronger stance in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The long history of tensions between the two nations complicates any attempts at lasting peace.

Understanding the positions of both sides and ensuring the safety of Ukraine can make a significant difference. This conflict is not just about territorial disputes; it affects global politics and the stability of Europe as a whole.



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