This was surprising to see.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) is speaking out against a proposal that would see Ukraine forced into an agreement with the United States involving its natural resources in exchange for support against Russia. Fitzpatrick called this proposal “victim extortion” and condemned it as unjust. According to the congressman, it is President Vladimir Putin, and not Ukraine, who should bear the burden of the consequences of the war he started.
“The only person who should pay the price for Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is Putin,” Fitzpatrick said in a post on social media. “To suggest that Ukraine should bear these costs is the ultimate form of victim-blaming.”
The proposal being pushed by U.S. officials would require Ukraine to give up a significant portion of its natural resource revenues, including income from its ports and infrastructure, to the United States. The deal would continue until a $500 billion fund is established. In return, the U.S. would offer Ukraine long-term support in rebuilding its war-torn nation. However, the terms of this deal are not sitting well with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is demanding security guarantees in addition to the reconstruction aid. Despite his objections, reports suggest Ukraine is now considering a revised version of the deal.
This comes amid growing tensions between Zelensky and former President Donald Trump, who has been criticized for allegedly aligning with Putin. Trump recently called Zelensky a “dictator” and suggested the Ukrainian president was partially responsible for the war. In turn, Zelensky has accused Trump of being caught up in “disinformation.” Meanwhile, some U.S. officials have warned Zelensky not to provoke Trump further and to take the deal into consideration.
Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican representing a district that was previously won by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, emphasized that Zelensky should not be forced into accepting a deal that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty. “President Zelensky should not, and must not, be pressured into agreeing to a deal that does not ensure the security of the Ukrainian people,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) also expressed concerns about the proposal, comparing it to a mafia-style extortion scheme. “Is this really what we want the greatest country in the world to be known for—acting like a criminal organization?” Himes asked.
As the situation evolves, it’s clear that U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s future must strike the right balance between support for its reconstruction and a commitment to protecting its sovereignty. The American people, especially conservatives, must ensure that any agreement remains just and fair, focusing on punishing the true aggressor—Vladimir Putin.