Former President Trump publicly commented on the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny for the first time, praising Navalny's bravery. However, Trump shifted the conversation to his own legal bills, drawing a comparison to Navalny's situation. Trump questioned how Navalny would raise the necessary funds for legal expenses, likening it to a form of communism or fascism.
Meanwhile, the White House announced new sanctions against Russia in response to Navalny's death and Putin's actions in Ukraine. The former president did not condemn Russia or Putin for Navalny's death but instead praised Russia's military.
Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markorova, expressed the ongoing need for military support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Markorova highlighted the importance of ammunition and weapons in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and called for increased aid from allies to counter Russian forces.
Markorova emphasized the critical role of continued U.S. support in providing military aid to Ukraine. She underscored the bipartisan backing for Ukraine in Congress and stressed the urgency of receiving additional weaponry to combat Russian aggression.
The ambassador warned of the existential threat posed by Russia, not only to Ukraine but also to neighboring countries and NATO allies. Markorova urged swift action from Congress to approve further aid packages to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and deter Russian aggression.
