Charlie Kirk was a fierce and consistent critic of U.S. aid to Ukraine, describing the war as a conflict that is “not our fight”. He recited Kremlin talking points and argued that continued funding for Ukraine was misguided and prolonged a war that Kyiv could not win.
Key elements of Kirk’s hostility to Ukraine:
Opposition to military and financial aid: Kirk openly expressed his disapproval of sending weapons and financial assistance to Ukraine. In July 2025, after Donald Trump indicated he might send more arms to Ukraine, Kirk expressed his disagreement, noting that while he supported Trump, he did not “love the idea of sending arms”.
Critique of Ukrainian leadership: He was a vocal critic of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he characterized as an “ungrateful, petulant child”. In early 2025, Kirk accused Zelenskyy of obstructing potential peace proposals.
Criticism of U.S. involvement: Kirk frequently argued that U.S. involvement in the war served no national interest. He maintained that American funds should not be used to fuel a “kinetic conflict against Russia”.
Doubts about Ukraine’s ability to win: In a speech in spring 2025, Kirk claimed that Ukraine was being called to fight and die in a war that they “cannot and could not win”.
Stance on Crimea: He asserted that the Crimean peninsula “cannot be returned to Ukraine,” claiming it had “always been part of Russia”.
Accusations of Ukrainian threats: In 2023, Kirk claimed he received death threats from a Ukrainian spokesperson due to his opposition to U.S. funding for Ukraine. The spokesperson’s statement about hunting Kremlin propagandists drew backlash, leading Ukraine to cut ties with her. Kirk was later labelled a “spreader of Russian propaganda” by Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation.