MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

'Who was POTUS when Putin took Crimea': Eric Swalwell trolled for saying GOP 'rootin for Putin'

Actor Josh Abbott tweeted, 'Guessing Twitter isn’t going to fact check ya on this one'

Democrat Eric Swalwell has been trolled online after he claimed that Republicans “are rooting for the Russians” amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, which began after Vladimir Putin “recognised two breakaway regions held in eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian rebels as independent states and ordered troops into the territories” on Monday, February 21.

The Russian leader had said in a televised speech, “I deem it necessary to make a decision that should have been made a long time ago – to immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR).” As per reports, at least seven Ukrainian people have died till now and another nine have been injured due to Russian shelling after war was declared.

READ MORE

NPR slammed for claiming Ukraine GAVE UP its nuclear weapons

'Flee or be killed’: Russia’s chilling message for Ukrainians in cyberattack revealed

Expressing his thoughts on the Ukrainian crisis while taking a dig at the Republicans, Swalwell tweeted: “Kyiv and Kharkiv are being bombed. The largest invasion on our planet since WW2. Republicans are rooting for the Russians. God be with Ukraine and democracy.” However, photographer David Hobby, corrected him in a tweet, saying, “*Most Republicans. But not all:” and also shared a statement posted by Mitt Romney, who condemned Russia's action.

Romney’s tweet read: “Putin’s Ukraine invasion is the first time in 80 years that a great power has moved to conquer a sovereign nation. It is without justification, without provocation and without honor.” The 74-year-old senator also called for Russia and Putin’s expulsion from global institutions.

A number of other people also jumped into the reply section to slam Swalwell. Matt Whitlock, Republican communicator, tweeted: “This is just so deeply embarrassing and unserious, Eric. I can't think of a time when a party deserved power in Washington less than you guys do now.” Actor Josh Abbott said, “I’m a Republican and I’m not rooting for the Russians. I honestly don’t know anyone that is. I despise Putin & Russia. But hey whatever gets RT’s & motivates your constituents to keep donating, am I right?! Guessing Twitter isn’t going to fact check ya on this one tho.”

A user wrote, “Is this accurate? ‘Swalwell, who has accused Republicans of enabling Russia, took maximum campaign donations from a top lobbyist for Nord Stream 2 AG, the company behind an oil transportation project dubbed ‘Putin’s pipeline’: ‘did u accept donations regarding this?’” Another user remarked while sharing a screenshot of Biden’s old tweet, “This happened on Bidens watch, if you so desperately want to bring in politics in such a terrible situation!… btw what Biden said…” A tweet read: “Despite knowing people in Kiev, I'm not sure I could say this is the ‘largest invasion on our planet since WWII’. It's inflammatory language that often evokes disproportionate reactions. I will say it's not good and my thoughts are with those in Ukraine.”

A critic tweeted, “Blaming Republicans when the Dems are calling the shots? Lol. Nice try.” Another one added: “Rs aren't "rooting" for anything. Everyone, no matter party, has a unique stance on alll this. That this bombing happened and the immediate commentary needed to include a call out of an opposing domestic group, rather than a focus on the issue, is what we need to avoid more often.”