Staff Reports
In an impassioned interview with Fox News, Senator Rand Paul criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's response to NATO's "ambiguous" posture on Ukraine's membership application. The Kentucky Republican criticized Zelensky harshly for having the audacity to query the lack of a specific timeline for Ukraine's prospective NATO membership. In a bout of arrogance and ungratefulness, Zelensky took to Twitter to vent his anger, but Senator Paul was not amused.
WATCH: Rand Paul SHREDS Zelensky's 'Brazen' reaction to Ukraine being snubbed by NATO, saying they are “not very grateful” after everything everyone had done for them.
Do you agree with Rand Paul that Ukraine is “ungrateful” and should stop complaining?https://t.co/3Mr1jGQugy
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) July 11, 2023
Senator Paul advised Zelensky, in the words of an ancient English proverb, "Never look a gift horse in the mouth," which essentially means to not query or criticize a generous offer. In fact, the United States has already provided Ukraine with a staggering $100 billion in aid, yet Zelensky has the audacity to demand NATO membership immediately. What ungratefulness!
Sen. Rand Paul on Zelensky's reaction to the lack of a timeline for NATO membership:
"We've given him $100 billion and he has the audacity to be so brazen as to tell us we'd better speed it up? … That's not very grateful for the $100 billion we've given him so far." pic.twitter.com/FvEtMFvZzc
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 11, 2023
We value our allies. We value our shared security. And we always appreciate an open conversation.
Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Vilnius. Because it is about respect.But Ukraine also deserves respect. Now, on the way to Vilnius, we received signals that…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 11, 2023
In a rare moment of accord with President Biden, Senator Paul emphasized that hurrying Ukraine into NATO membership would have severe consequences. It would mean that the United States would become even more entangled in the conflict in Ukraine, possibly deploying personnel to the war zone instead of just providing arms. Senator Paul and President Biden may not agree on many issues, but he knows when to proceed with prudence.
The entire debacle began when Zelensky vented his anger on Twitter en route to the NATO summit. He criticized NATO's management of Ukraine's membership application, emphasizing in particular the absence of a timeline for an invitation or actual membership. Zelensky was irritated by the NATO's preposterous and unprecedented ambiguous conditions.
According to Zelensky, uncertainty is a symptom of weakness, and he promised to discuss Ukraine's grievances candidly at the summit. His vehement language reflects the Ukraine's extreme dissatisfaction with NATO's response to their membership application. Ukraine views NATO membership as an essential deterrent against Russian aggression, but the ongoing debate surrounding their potential membership demonstrates that this issue will remain highly contentious.
It is gratifying to see Senator Paul stand up to President Zelensky's audacity. As the United States has already provided substantial assistance, it is time for Ukraine to acknowledge this assistance and reconsider its demand for preferential treatment. Senator Paul's pragmatic approach is to be commended, as rushing into NATO membership could have severe repercussions. Perhaps Zelensky should reevaluate his expectations and learn to value the gifts that have been bestowed upon his nation.
