GOP House leaders say Biden’s policies enabled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

GOP House leaders on Tuesday took President Biden to task over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, arguing that the president’s failed policies have emboldened Vladimir Putin to take more aggressive actions. 

The statement from House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy and others came a day after Russian troops rolled into rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine after Putin said he was recognizing the areas’ independence. GOP leaders called the renewed invasion of Ukraine "reprehensible."

"Sadly, President Biden consistently chose appeasement and his tough talk on Russia was never followed by strong action," GOP leaders said.  

"Lethal aid was slow-walked, anti-air and anti-ship capabilities were never directly provided, pre-invasion sanctions proportionate to the aggression Putin had already committed were never imposed, and sanctions on Nord Stream 2 were waived."