US Senator Rand Paul has criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s complaints about NATO’s reluctance to guarantee accession for Kiev, calling them “audacious” and “ungrateful.” In an interview with Fox News, Paul stated that Zelensky should be more aware of the old English adage, “Never look a gift horse in the mouth.” He pointed out that the US has provided Ukraine with $100 billion in aid and expressed his surprise at Zelensky’s boldness in demanding that the aid be expedited.
This comes after Zelensky criticized NATO during the alliance’s two-day summit in Vilnius for not providing a concrete timeline for Ukraine’s membership. The statement issued by NATO stated that Ukraine would be invited to join only when allies agree and conditions are met. Zelensky referred to this as “unprecedented and absurd” and expressed his disappointment with the vague wording about meeting certain conditions.
Paul and other critics of US military aid to Ukraine have warned about the potential consequences of allowing Kiev to join NATO. They argue that it would likely provoke a war with Russia, as the alliance’s founding document stipulates that an attack on any member is an attack on all, requiring the allies to defend the attacked country.
In April, Paul and 18 other Republican lawmakers demanded a halt to “unrestrained” US aid to Ukraine. They suggested that Biden should prioritize diplomatic solutions to avoid prolonging the bloodshed in the ongoing conflict. Paul also criticized Biden’s decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine, arguing that a negotiated solution is the only way to end the conflict.
Paul expressed his concern that the continuous supply of arms to Zelensky gives him no reason to pursue negotiations. He believes that the focus on military aid is delaying the possibility of a peaceful resolution and ultimately harming the Ukrainian people.
Russia has responded to the delivery of heavy weapons and military aid to Ukraine by asserting that NATO countries are becoming direct participants in the conflict. Moscow has also emphasized that Ukraine’s neutrality is a crucial condition for achieving lasting peace between the two countries.
In conclusion, Rand Paul has criticized Zelensky’s complaints about NATO’s reluctance to guarantee accession for Ukraine. He has called them audacious and ungrateful, highlighting the substantial aid that the US has provided to Ukraine. Paul and other critics have cautioned against the potential consequences of Ukraine joining NATO, warning that it could lead to a war with Russia. They advocate for diplomatic solutions and criticize the focus on military aid. Meanwhile, Russia argues that the delivery of military assistance to Ukraine makes NATO countries involved in the conflict and emphasizes the importance of Ukraine’s neutrality for achieving lasting peace.
Source link
