Harris Warned Russia Before Invasion

In a recent episode of CNN's "Inside Politics," Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her comments regarding a trip to Europe aimed at deterring Russian aggression towards Ukraine. Waltz highlighted that Harris's claims of warning Ukraine's President Zelensky were misleading, as Russia ultimately proceeded with its invasion shortly after her visit. He emphasized that her efforts to communicate a message to Russia about potential economic sanctions were ineffective, stating, "Russia and Putin clearly didn’t take her seriously." Waltz further argued that the situation has worsened, with Russia now selling more oil and gas through China and India, which he claims is bolstering their military operations. He described Harris's statements as "a lot of smoke and mirrors," suggesting that the administration's narrative does not align with the reality of the situation on the ground. In response to Waltz's assertions, host Dana Bash acknowledged that she did not conduct the reporting on Harris's trip but noted her understanding that the Vice President did indeed attempt to warn both Zelensky and Russia. This exchange highlights the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of U.S. diplomatic efforts in the face of Russian aggression. The discussion reflects broader concerns about the Biden administration's foreign policy strategies, particularly in relation to Ukraine, as the conflict continues to evolve and the implications of diplomatic actions are scrutinized.