Republicans instantly condemned his feedback.
“To my colleague within the Area, I might thrust back and say it is not Ukraine this is invading Russia,” stated Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst. “It’s Russia invading Ukraine.”
“Like 90% of the rustic is with Ukrainians and is adverse to Putin,” added South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. “So whilst you see a member of Congress say such things as this, the only factor I need you to understand: they are outliers.”
Two North Carolina Area Republican applicants working towards Cawthorn additionally blasted his anti-Ukraine sentiments.
“I don’t know the way any individual in American public place of job may name Zelensky a ‘thug’ whilst Ukraine is beneath such vicious attack,” stated Michele Woodhouse.
“Needless to say Zelensky is a thug,” stated Cawthorn within the video. “Needless to say the Ukrainian executive is amazingly corrupt and it’s extremely evil and it’s been pushing woke ideologies.”
CNN has now not independently verified when or the place Cawthorn made the feedback. After the experiences, Cawthorn sought to elucidate his perspectives of the battle on Twitter.
“I’m praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian other folks,” he added. “Pray additionally we don’t seem to be drawn into battle in response to international leaders pushing incorrect information.”
Luke Ball, a spokesman for the lawmaker, advised CNN that Cawthorn “helps Ukraine and the Ukrainian President’s efforts to protect their nation towards Russian aggression, however does now not need The usa drawn into any other battle via emotional manipulation.”
This tale has been up to date with further tendencies Thursday.
CNN’s Ali Zaslav contributed to this document.
