Many Republicans will snub Zelensky’s desperate plea for aid. Here’s why

CNN —

There is a simple reason why many Republicans will snub Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s desperate plea for billions of dollars in arms and ammunition.

Sending more taxpayer funds to a war on the edge of Europe is incompatible with the “America First” creed of a party dominated by ex-President Donald Trump.

The previous and possibly future commander in chief’s position is countered by President Joe Biden, who warns that allowing Russia to win would embolden an adversary that could threaten US security. Their likely rematch means the 2024 election is about far more than who will run the United States for the next four years. It’s likely to decide the fate of Ukraine, the shape of the Western world and the nature of US global power.

In an interview with CNN, Zelensky appealed to the Republican-led House to unblock the latest US aid package after Ukraine marked the second anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion. There are increasing signs the war is tilting Moscow’s way as Ukrainian solders run out of bullets.

And Zelensky warned that Trump, who has said he’d end the war within 24 hours if elected to a new term – a solution that could only be achieved on terms favorable to Vladimir Putin – simply didn’t understand the Russian president. Zelensky said it was “unbelievable” that the Republican front-runner appeared to be on the side of the Kremlin strongman.

“I think Donald Trump doesn’t know Putin,” Zelensky said. “I know he met him … but he never fought with Putin. (The) American army never fought with the army of Russia. Never. … I have a better understanding,” Zelensky said in a clip from the interview with Kaitlan Collins that will air in full later Monday on CNN.

“I don’t think he