Sen. Graham and Zelenskyy Clash Over Resignation Suggestion

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a vocal advocate for Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a sharp exchange of words this weekend, following Graham's suggestion that Zelenskyy should step down from his position. And yes, things got spicy.

The back-and-forth began when Zelenskyy, during an interview, quipped that Graham could "gain weight" in Ukrainian affairs if he accepted Ukrainian citizenship. Graham, clearly not one to let a jab go unanswered, responded by doubling down on his critique of the Ukrainian leader.

"Unfortunately, until there is an election, no one has a voice in Ukraine," Graham remarked, sharing a video of Zelenskyy’s comments posted by Fox News host Laura Ingraham. Ouch. The South Carolina senator has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression but didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration with Zelenskyy’s leadership.

While Graham acknowledged his admiration for Zelenskyy’s resilience during challenging times, he suggested the Ukrainian leader might need to make significant changes—or step aside entirely. "He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change," Graham told reporters at the White House.

The senator’s remarks come on the heels of a tense public spat between Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as Vice President JD Vance, during a heated Oval Office meeting last Friday. Graham called the meeting a "complete utter disaster," criticizing Zelenskyy’s conduct as "disrespectful."

"I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again," Graham said bluntly. He went on to suggest that many Americans might now view the Ukrainian president as an unreliable partner in the U.S.-Ukraine alliance, which he stressed is "vitally important." However, Graham questioned whether Zelenskyy has the capacity to strike meaningful agreements with the United States.

For his part, Zelenskyy has remained firm, brushing off Graham's critique with his characteristic blend of humor and defiance. While the senator and president may agree on the importance of countering Russian aggression, their public spat highlights a growing rift in how they believe that fight should be led. Looks like this partnership has hit some turbulence.