Hoyer Statement on President Trump's Appalling Comments on Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today in response to the comments made by President Donald J. Trump regarding Ukraine:

"President Donald Trump’s comments on Ukraine are appalling. By repeating Russian propaganda, our own President dishonors America, and dishonors the brave men and women who have fought so valiantly for democracy and international law. These freedom fighters are defending their homeland and sovereignty against a war criminal who invaded Ukraine without any justifiable cause. 

"With his comments, President Trump also dishonors all of those democracies who have supported President Zelenskyy in his leadership to defeat a craven dictator.

"It is now obvious why Zelenskyy was not included in the discussions so critical to the future of Ukraine. President Trump is clearly adopting Putin’s argument, which has been rejected by the free world and the United States of America in a bipartisan fashion. Every American and every Republican and Democrat who loves freedom and opposes dictators and war criminals should be speaking out forcefully in opposition to this Putin lie that, shockingly, Trump has parroted. His relationship with this despot is dangerous and despicable."