Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his acceptance of the Star of Ukraine award on Thursday evening.
McConnell, 83, used the occasion to voice concerns about Trump’s foreign policy approach, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, while emphasizing the need for stronger U.S. leadership in the face of global threats.
In his remarks, McConnell accused Trump of seeking an “illusory peace” with Putin and stated that the president’s advisers “don’t seem ready to summon the resources and national will it requires” to effectively counter U.S. adversaries.
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He warned that the White House’s current trajectory could lead to a scenario where “Russia wins, America loses.”
The Star of Ukraine award was presented to McConnell by the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation in recognition of his steadfast support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
During his speech, McConnell expressed strong criticism of the administration’s handling of the war, describing it as detrimental to both U.S. credibility and the safety of Ukraine.
He argued that the current approach “shreds America’s credibility, leaves Ukraine under threat, weakens our alliances, and emboldens our enemies.”
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“Peace is a noble goal,” McConnell said, acknowledging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
“And few deserve it more than the people of Ukraine, who feel the absence of peace most viscerally … When they stand in the rubble of their homes, their schools, and their churches,” he added.
McConnell emphasized the deep personal cost of the conflict, highlighting the sacrifices of families who have lost loved ones to the war.
McConnell further stated that the people of Ukraine, whose peace was stolen from them by Russian aggression, should be the ones whose desire for peace is most respected.
“If there’s anyone who I’ll take at their word when they say they want peace, it’s the people who had peace stolen from them,” he remarked.
The senator’s comments came amid a backdrop of strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, particularly following a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 28.
During that meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly clashed with Zelensky over his diplomatic approach to Russian aggression.
Trump criticized Zelensky, accusing him of “gambling with World War III.” In the wake of the meeting, U.S. support for Ukraine faltered, with Trump briefly halting critical intelligence sharing and military aid.
McConnell’s speech also touched on the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow twice to meet with Putin but failed to secure any agreements.
McConnell subtly criticized Trump’s handling of these negotiations, saying, “When American officials court the favor of an adversary at the expense of allies … when they mock our friends to impress an enemy … they reveal their embarrassing naivete.”
The senator warned that turning away from Ukraine would be a grave mistake.
“To cut off Ukraine is to stab ourselves in the back. So is the denigration of allies who have fought and died alongside us,” he said.
McConnell emphasized the importance of maintaining strong, unwavering alliances and ensuring that the U.S. remains a powerful and reliable partner on the world stage.
“The Americans should be dangerous allies. The kind so dangerous that enemies of democracy, sovereignty, and free commerce wouldn’t dare to doubt our commitments or our resolve,” he added.
McConnell’s remarks underscore his continued support for Ukraine and his belief in a robust American military presence globally.
The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation presented the Star of Ukraine award to McConnell for his unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine during their ongoing conflict with Russia.
In his acceptance speech, McConnell also touched on his broader view of national security.
He asserted that “every debate over agriculture or infrastructure or education or taxes is downstream of the obligations of national security.”
McConnell pointed to the work of strengthening American military power that began under President Ronald Reagan, but warned that the U.S. has allowed that power to “atrophy” in recent years.
He urged that the nation’s military readiness be prioritized to counter the growing threats from adversaries around the world.
McConnell’s support for Ukraine and his critical stance toward Trump’s foreign policy come as he plans to step down from his Senate leadership position at the end of his current term in January 2027.
Mitch McConnell to step down as Senate GOP Leader.
Will never forget when he explained to us that as the wide open border raged, inflation spiked and political prosecutions of Trump unfolded — Republicans’ number one priority was Ukraine.pic.twitter.com/5h2P7yO4sQ
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) February 28, 2024
Despite this, McConnell has pledged to continue championing national security and advocating for a strong U.S. presence on the global stage.
Additionally, McConnell’s past conflicts with Trump were reflected in his voting record, as he opposed the confirmation of three of Trump’s cabinet picks: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
However, these officials were confirmed with majority Republican support.
McConnell’s position on national security, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia, remains a defining aspect of his political legacy as he prepares to leave leadership in the Senate.
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