GOP Rep Mike Turner warns 'you can't be America First and pro-Russia'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Mike Turner, a Republican from Ohio, pushed back against isolationist views within his party, saying support for Russia conflicted with the principles of an "America First" foreign policy.

Turner made the remarks during an appearance on ABC News’ 'This Week' on Sunday, December 28, where he discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent Russian attacks on civilian areas.

The comments followed reports of Russian strikes on Ukrainian residential targets during the Christmas period.

Mike Turner claims 'Russia is a self-declared adversary'

Turner said the conflict presents a clear geopolitical distinction for the United States.

"America, when we address the issue of whose side we’re on, you can’t be America First and be pro-Russia," Turner said.

He described Russia as an adversary of the United States and cited its military actions in Ukraine.

"Russia is a self-declared adversary of the United States," Turner claimed. "Here they are, mercilessly killing Ukrainians and trying to take Ukrainian land."

Turner said US values are incompatible with Russia’s conduct in the war.

Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky set to meet

Turner’s remarks came ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida.

The leaders are expected to discuss a revised peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict, now approaching its fourth year.

According to reports, the framework under discussion includes provisions for reconstruction funding and calls for Russian withdrawal from certain occupied areas.

Ukrainian officials have indicated a willingness to consider concessions as part of a negotiated settlement, while Moscow has not publicly signaled similar flexibility.

The challenge of security guarantees

Turner said that one of the central obstacles to a peace agreement remains the issue of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Zelensky has repeatedly called for firm commitments from Western allies to deter future Russian aggression.

"It’s going to be much more difficult because Ukraine wants assurances that the West is going to deter Russia in the future," Turner said.

He said providing those guarantees would require sustained political and military commitment from allied nations.

Doubts over Western resolve

Turner expressed uncertainty over whether Western countries are prepared to offer the level of protection Ukraine is seeking.

"That’s going to be difficult," he said, referring to assurances that would prevent Russia from regrouping and renewing its military campaign.