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AOC's Democrat Socialists blame US and NATO for Ukraine war, slammed for 'dumb take'

Group says 'imperialist expansionism' to blame for the Russian invasion and calls on the US to exit NATO, gets brutally slammed online

A far-left group backed by Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders has come under fire on social media for its stance on the Ukraine war. On February 26, 2022, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) released a statement blaming the US' "imperialist expansionism" for forcing Russian president Vladimir Putin to invade, and calling on the nation to exit NATO. Suffice to say, social media was not pleased, and quickly slammed both the group and AOC, despite her not weighing in on the controversy. 

Putin has blamed NATO's swift expansion eastwards for forcing him to act. On February 25, he also threatened "military and political consequences" if Sweden and Finland joined the bloc. Russia's actions have also forced NATO to act, with military forces now on high alert and reinforcing the Polish border, but not acting in any offensive capacity yet. The West is still hoping Russia will feel the bite of sanctions, which have since expanded to include nations like Switzerland. 

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Ironically, Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine have forced the nation of Kosovo to apply for NATO membership. European allies have also leveraged their NATO membership to reinforce their borders, with rumors that Putin could seek to expand his campaign beyond Ukraine. While Europe appears to be grateful for NATO though, it seems not everyone in the US sees the group in the same way.

DSA slams NATO 

Late on February 26, DSA released a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemned Russia for its actions. They added, "this crisis requires an immediate international antiwar response demanding de-escalation, international cooperation, and opposition to unilateral coercive measures." Rather than just blaming Russian aggression, the group went much further to put the onus on NATO for the war. 

"DSA reaffirms our call for the US to withdraw from NATO and to end the imperialist expansionism that set the stage for this conflict," they wrote. The group then added, "While the failures of neoliberal order are clear to everyone, the ruling class is trying to build a new world, through a dystopic transition grounded in militarism, imperialism, and war. Socialists have a duty to build an alternative."

Ocasio-Cortez who frequently promotes DSA's posts, was stunningly silent on this message, as was Sen. Sanders. However, a slew of Democrats pounced on the group, and quickly slammed them for their message. The criticism spread much further, as ordinary Twitter users also joined the bandwagon to slam the DSA for its take.

'This is an objectively immoral stance'

"The DSA and @TuckerCarlson have joined forces to form a pro-Putin axis in American politics, an alliance of useful idiots," commented Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres. One user tweeted, "In case you were unclear on what ludicrous effing buffoons the Democratic Socialists of America are… Their response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine: Demanding the US withdraw from NATO. It’s practically satire. These people are abject morons." White House employee Mike Gwin responded by calling the statement "Shameful". 

"The Democratic Socialists of America Try Really Hard To Have the Dumbest Take on Ukraine," one user jokingly said. Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer said, "While Putin invades and engages in imperialist expansionism in Ukraine, the @DemSocialists blame NATO and call for U.S. to abandon our allies. Another clear example of why socialism is inconsistent with democratic values. Ridiculous." A third tweeted, "I condemn the DSA for blaming NATO for Russian aggression. It is neither factual nor in the interests of working people to blame a 3rd organization for a 1st country's war of choice on a 2nd This is an objectively immoral stance, and should be retracted."