Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Denounces Ukrainian President's 'Ballot Box Shakedown'

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request for additional funding from the United States to conduct Ukraine's upcoming election that coincides with its war against Russia.

In a press release obtained by Fox News Digital, Ramaswamy referred to this request as a 'ballot box shakedown,' stating, 'Zelenskyy’s veiled threat to forgo democratic elections in Ukraine unless the American people foot the bill and cough up another $135 million in funding represents a new level of extortion of the United States.'

Ramaswamy condemned Zelenskyy's actions, asserting that they mirror tactics employed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He highlighted Zelenskyy's ban on 11 opposition parties and the consolidation of all state media into a single entity, actions reminiscent of Putin's refusal to register opposition parties and extensive government control over the media landscape.

'Our nation is being duped by a leader in Ukraine willing to sacrifice his own nation’s credibility as a ‘democracy’ in a gambit to secure even more money from U.S. taxpayers. This is wrong,' Ramaswamy firmly stated.

The Republican candidate emphasized that despite the already substantial funding provided to Ukraine, he firmly believes the United States should not continue to pour money into the country. Ramaswamy proposed that Ukraine allocate a small percentage of the funds it has already received to cover its election expenses.

'With over $135 billion in funding already provided, Ukraine should easily be able to allocate 0.1 percent of that to pay for their election,' Ramaswamy argued. 'Americans deserve the TRUTH. The notion that all money and military equipment being sent to Ukraine is being carefully tracked is deeply dishonest.'

Ramaswamy, who has been an outspoken critic of U.S. funding for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia, made a bold promise to the American people, declaring, 'If elected president, the U.S. will be Uncle Sucker no more.'

The presidential candidate expressed concern about Ukraine's commitment to democratic principles, cautioning against being deceived by a false narrative that portrays Zelenskyy as a paragon of democratic leadership. Ramaswamy urged a closer examination of the actions taken by Zelenskyy that resemble Putin's tactics.

The article also highlights the remarks made by Senator Lindsey Graham during his recent visit to Ukraine, where he stressed the importance of conducting a free and fair election in the country despite the ongoing conflict.

Ramaswamy's denouncement of Zelenskyy's request for additional funding aligns with his stance on Ukraine's dependence on U.S. financial support. He asserts that it's time for the United States to prioritize its own interests and not be taken advantage of by foreign leaders.

The Republican presidential candidate's strong statements reflect concerns about Ukraine's democratic integrity and the need for transparency in the allocation of funds. Ramaswamy's promises to the American people cast him as a candidate who prioritizes accountability and fiscal responsibility.