Quigley Statement on Trump Administration's Betrayal of Ukraine

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin, his arrangement of peace talks that exclude Ukraine, and recent comments parroting Russian propaganda:

“For years, the far right has parroted Kremlin talking points about the war in Ukraine. Now, those same talking points are coming out of the White House.

“Let me make it clear to President Trump: Putin is a dictator who illegally invaded a sovereign, democratic nation. He has overseen mass atrocities in Ukraine, including the bombing of hospitals, the rape, torture, and murder of civilians, and the kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children.

“This does not make him a “smart” or “savvy” leader. This makes him a war criminal. Vladimir Putin is a brutal dictator who has murdered his political opponents and interfered with democracies across the globe. If Trump thinks Putin is going to stop at Ukraine, he is fooling himself. If we let him, Putin will come for other Eastern European countries next.

“By contrast, and with the widespread support of his people, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has fought for the same values that NATO was founded upon: democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. 

“Donald Trump’s betrayal of Ukraine sends a clear message to our allies that we cannot be relied on, we will not stand by our word, and that we choose autocrats over democracy. The President and his cronies should be ashamed.”

In recent days, the Trump administration has made a series of statements showing support for Russia and turning their backs on Ukraine. This includes Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s comments ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine, Trump calling Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a dictator and blaming Ukraine for Russia’s unprovoked invasion, and the administration arranging peace talks that explicitly excluded Ukraine.