To the editor:

The recent visit by (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy to the White House was another indicator of the efforts of 45 to destroy American global leadership, join the axis of evil and bow to Putin.

Trump and Vance acted like third grade thugs, disrespectful and dishonest. Trump is disingenuous about concern for peace as his focus has always been “what’s in it for me”. Republicans, whose side are you on?

Americans, be reminded of the truth that Russia invaded a sovereign Ukraine. The initial land grab of Crimea was followed later by the Russian war crimes like rape of men, women and children; castration and torture of Ukrainian soldiers; deliberate bombing of schools, places of worship, historic and cultural sites, hospitals and health centers; theft of property from homes such as toilets, sinks, and appliances.

Oh, the kids? 20,000 children were stolen and shipped off to Russia. Grain was stolen and sold for Russia’s coffers. Putin tried to destabilize the nuke plant and didn’t tend his war dead, and brought in untrained North Koreans to serve as delay-tactic combat meat.

Republicans, do you have a working moral compass?

None of these heinous acts have been acknowledged as factors in the current US “peace” dealings about Ukraine. It’s obvious Trump owes Putin big and Ukraine is a part of the dirty dealing.

Americans know a strong Ukraine is essential to stop Russia’s campaign to wreck and dominate the United States and democracies everywhere. It is unconscionable for the Rs to go marching along as devoted bootlickers for the war criminal Putin and his lackeys. They should be offering true support for Ukraine that sends Russia back to Russia, reinforces Ukraine’s original borders and demands full payment by Russia to rebuild Ukraine.

Patricia McLoone

Marshall