Ukrainian-born GOP lawmaker rankles colleagues with her aggressive criticism of Kyiv

That bipartisan frustration over Spartz's behavior was only the beginning. In the nearly six months since the war began, Spartz has publicly criticized the Ukraine government, peddled corruption allegations against the Ukrainian government and some of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's top aides, and spurred complaints from her colleagues that she is mirroring pro-Russia talking points.

"President Zelensky has to stop playing politics and theater, and start governing to better support his military and local governments," Spartz said in a press release last month, in one example of her outspoken criticisms of Kyiv.

Spartz, a 43-year-old businesswoman, has repeatedly insisted, publicly and privately, that she wants Ukraine to win, and that she is only attacking Kyiv because she wants to help remove any potential obstacles to a Ukrainian victory over Russia. She says she has visited Ukraine six times since the invasion began and has also slammed Russia consistently, including as recently as Tuesday when she tweeted that Russia should be declared a terrorist state.

Still, Spartz's bellicose rhetoric aimed at Zelensky and his advisers has frustrated lawmakers in both parties, White House officials and members of the Ukrainian parliament alike. They worry she is undermining their efforts to stay united behind Ukraine at a pivotal moment and openly question where she is getting some of her information, according to interviews with over a dozen lawmakers, aides and administration sources.

Meanwhile, multiple briefings from the Biden administration and private pleas from senior Republicans have done little to rein in Spartz's vocal criticism, sources said.
Once seen as a crucial messaging asset, Spartz has now become something of a liability for defense hawks who were already worried about fatigue in the United States over the ongoing war abroad.

Jeez ... she mirrors many of my talking points over the last 15 years about Ukraine and the division East-West. Governing under Zelensky has only further split the nation in two and seems to be irreconcilable. All to the advantage of its large neighbour which has vital interests in Ukraine for over a century now.

'Sapere aude'