Republicans push back on Donald Trump’s wavering support for Ukraine

Key Points:

• Several Republican lawmakers have criticized Donald Trump for his recent softening stance on Russia, particularly his agreement to import Russian diesel and pause sanctions, calling it "disgraceful" and damaging to US leverage in Congress.
• Trump has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of not wanting to end the war and suggested Zelenskyy should step down to allow new negotiations, prompting Zelenskyy to accuse Trump of pressuring Ukraine to capitulate.
• Key Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham’s sister and former senators Bill Cassidy and Mitt Romney, have publicly opposed Trump's approach, emphasizing continued pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine.
• Concerns have also been raised about disruptions to Ukraine’s access to Starshield, a military satellite internet service, and accusations that the US withheld intelligence on a Russian missile attack, leading to demands for accountability from lawmakers.
• Some Republicans threaten to withhold financial support for Trump’s domestic agenda until he reverses his stance on Ukraine and Russia, viewing his actions as an embarrassment and a form of surrender to Putin.