Utah Republican Congressman Mike Kennedy broke with President Donald Trump on Wednesday night, rejecting Trump's assertion that Ukraine was responsible for starting its war with Russia.
Earlier that day, Trump had claimed Ukraine "should have never allowed" the conflict to begin, telling reporters, "You should have never started it. You could have made a deal."
At a town hall meeting attended by about 150 people, Kennedy addressed Trump's comments when asked about them, according to video footage provided to Utah Political Watch.
"I don't know if the president said that," Kennedy said to derisive laughter from the crowd.
"Asked who started the war? As far as I can tell, Vladimir Putin started the war," Kennedy continued.
During a town hall meeting, Utah GOP Rep. Mike Kennedy rejected President Donald Trump's assertion that Ukraine was responsible for starting its war with Russia.
The audience responded with loud applause.
Kennedy was also asked about continued American funding for Ukraine’s defense. Kennedy acknowledged he’s been supportive in the past, but expressed growing reservations.
“I’m tired of sending money over there with no consequence and no result. This is Europe’s backyard and Europe should take account for this. I’m tired of our dollars and our people being sent all over the world,” Kennedy said.
“I think this war needs to come to an end. I think it’s an unwinnable war for Zelensky. But as far as I can tell, Vladimir Putin started the war.”
Utah Political Watch reached out to Kennedy’s office to ask whether he stands by his remarks or wished to clarify them.
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