Many Republican senators are openly saying a negotiated settlement will be necessary to end Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, as Speaker Mike Johnson resists a vote to send additional aid to the key U.S. ally.
“The reality at this point that we have to confront is that that war ends with a negotiated settlement,” said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. “And the question is — when they finally figured that out — when we finally get to that point, who has more leverage — [Russian President Vladimir] Putin or Ukraine?”
It’s a position that was unpopular just months ago, as many lawmakers declined to discuss the possibility that Ukraine might have to give up something, including territory, to end the war. But Rubio isn’t alone now. Other lawmakers, like Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), suggested a negotiated settlement is the most likely outcome regardless of whether the U.S. sends more aid to Ukraine, which he’s opposed.
www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/02/27/congress/gops-evolving-ukraine-stance-00143623