“With all due respect to Elon Musk – and I do respect him,” says Lindsey Graham (R-SC), “I would suggest he needs to understand the facts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
QUICK FACTS:
- Elon Musk encouraged a de-escalation of war between Russia and Ukraine on Twitter, proposing a peace agreement.
- The Tesla founder and SpaceX CEO suggested that Ukraine give Crimea to Russia and, in return, Russia would cease further military intervention.
- Republican Senator Lindsey Graham responded to Musk’s idea, calling it “dumb” and an “affront to the bravery of the Ukrainians fighting to defend their homeland.”
- “Suggesting we end the Russian invasion by simply giving Russia parts of Ukraine – after all the suffering – is dumb,” said Graham. “It is also an affront to the bravery of the Ukrainians fighting to defend their homeland.”
- Instead, Graham proposed that Russia “honor the boundaries they agreed to in 1994 and withdraw their forces.”
- The senator then threatened to remove electric vehicle tax credits, as “it could be a good way to help save money by applying those funds to assisting Ukrainians in defending their homeland!”
- Elon Musk replied to Graham’s warning, saying, “First of all, Tesla hasn’t had that consumer tax credit for years & we didn’t ask for this one – GM & Ford did.”
GRAHAM OPPOSES PEACE:
- Ukrainian-born, Indiana Republican Victoria Spartz criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating he should “start governing to better support his military and local government” and encouraged U.S. lawmakers to “establish proper oversight of critical infrastructure and delivery of weapons and aid.”
- Spartz added that having “[grown] up in Ukraine and visiting six times since the war started, I have a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground.”
- Graham reacted to her statements, saying, “I believe that the Zelenskyy government and the Ukrainian people have risen to the moment. It is in our national security interest to stand with the Ukrainian people and their elected leadership.”
- In 2015, Graham raised $2.9 million dollars, most of which came from defense contractors, as Graham desired greater international U.S. military intervention, signifying a conflict of interest.
- “If I were a defense contractor,” Graham said at the time, “I’d be big time for Lindsey Graham, because I’ve been forward-leaning on rebuilding our military.”
BACKGROUND:
- Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, revealed to reporters that “it is very positive that somebody like Elon Musk is looking for a peaceful way out of this situation,” acknowledging Russia’s support of Musk’s proposal.
- In 2016, Graham and the late John McCain (R-AZ) supported a Ukrainian war with Russia, Graham telling Ukrainian troops, “Your fight is our fight. 2017 will be the year of offense. All of us will go back to Washington, and we will push the case against Russia. Enough of Russian aggression. It is time for them to pay a heavier price.”
- McCain stated, “We will do everything we can to provide you with what you need to win.”
- Interestingly, these ideas were put to the side upon Trump’s presidential victory, just to be put into action upon Biden’s presidency.
