**Ukraine‘s Foreign Ministry Hits Back at US Lawmaker’s Remarks**
In a strong response to comments made by Ukrainian-born US lawmaker Victoria Spartz, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has called out the politician for suggesting that Kyiv should cede territory to Russia. Spartz, who was born in Chernihiv Oblast and emigrated to the US in 2000, had stated in an interview with The Telegraph that Ukraine is not in a position to demand the return of all occupied territories.
The Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, responded on X, saying: “Unlike Victoria, all of our land has always been and will always remain Ukrainian.” This statement reflects the strong sentiment among Ukrainians that their country’s territorial integrity must be respected.
**Echoing Kremlin Narratives**
Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk also weighed in on the issue, accusing Spartz of echoing Kremlin narratives. He noted that her comments seemed to align with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to undermine Ukraine’s democratic institutions. This criticism highlights the concerns among Ukrainians that some Western politicians are not adequately supporting their country’s sovereignty.
**A Divided View in Washington**
Spartz has been a vocal critic of both the Biden administration and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government. She has also faced scrutiny in Washington, with Politico reporting in June 2024 that she was under preliminary investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly mistreating staff and fostering a hostile work environment.
In recent months, Spartz has publicly distanced herself from Ukraine policy, citing “a lack of clear strategy” and expressing skepticism over continued military assistance. Her comments have been met with criticism from Ukrainian officials, who see her views as out of touch with the country’s needs.
**Russia Continues to Launch Attacks**
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, the latter has accused Moscow of launching 46 drones overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile. This aggression comes despite U.S.-mediated ceasefire efforts and demonstrates Russia’s continued disregard for civilian life.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to increase production for the “full range of drones: from Mavics to long-range drones.” The country has also initiated an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council and a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council following Russia’s deadly attack on Kryvyi Rih.
**A Complex Conflict**
The conflict in Ukraine is a complex web of politics, diplomacy, and military might. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains essential for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians. The comments made by Spartz serve as a reminder that there are still divisions within Western nations regarding their stance on Russia’s actions.
Ultimately, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has spoken out against suggestions that Kyiv should cede territory to Russia. This strong response reflects the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing aggression from Moscow.