Amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, there's growing sentiment among American far-right politicians and media personalities defending the Kremlin's aggression.
At a gathering of white nationalists this weekend, white supremacist Nick Fuentes led the audience in cheering the invasion. Former President Donald Trump hailed the invasion as "genius." Fox News host Tucker Carlson has repeatedly defended Putin in his broadcast to millions of viewers.
But even in defending Ukraine, some right wing lawmakers have cheapened the international conflict with hamhanded comparisons.
In a recent Fox News interview, far-right Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is likening Russian aggression to vaccine mandates in the United States and Canada, claiming the countries need to be "liberated" like Ukraine.
Watch below.
Lauren Boebert told Fox Nation at CPAC that Canada needs to be "liberated" along with Ukraine.
"We also have neighbors to the north who need freedom." pic.twitter.com/dymrCTRcxp
— David Edwards (@DavidEdwards) February 27, 2022
Boebert said:
“I pray for Ukraine and I wish them the best. They have a great president right now who has really said clearly, ‘Live free or die.’ He said, ‘I don’t need a ride, give me ammunition. The fight is right here,’ but we also have neighbors to the north who need freedom and need to be liberated, and we need that right here at home as well."
Boebert was referring to vaccine mandates in the U.S. and Canada. Though the vaccines are proven to minimize the spread and severity of the COVID-19 virus that's killed nearly 1 million Americans, conservatives like Boebert have repeatedly spread skepticism and conspiracy theories regarding them, decrying any efforts aimed at getting more Americans vaccinated. She's voiced support for a Canadian trucker protest against vaccine mandates that blocked Canadian entry points and stalled the delivery of goods.
Social media users weren't happy with the bonkers comparison.
Only a bat ship crazy Republican would draw an equivalency between the fight for freedom in Ukraine and the now quashed illegal trucker occupations in Canada. #UkraineRussiaWar #UkraineInvasion pic.twitter.com/94U0SP2UnE #ottawa #ottawa #cpac2022
— Michael O'Byrne (@MICHAELCTV) February 28, 2022
The Freedom Convoy was never about vaccines. It was part of a dangerous right-wing movement, largely funded by people like this, and cheered on by the CPC. Do not be complacent. Our democracy is in danger. https://t.co/BncTWnngdC
— Dr. Doug Eyolfson (@DougEyolfson) February 27, 2022
I wish she’d work as hard for her district as she does on her political linguist gymnastics. https://t.co/0M5R9ATzpo
— Kerry Donovan (@KerryDonovanCO) February 28, 2022
Reckless, dangerous and crosses every line of diplomacy and decency. Boebert would have been expelled from the @GOP before Trump but now the darling of CPAC. Canada is our best friend-best trading partner- closest ally and should be treated as such. https://t.co/W4VJhE1ENO
— Bruce A. Heyman (@BruceAHeyman) February 27, 2022
Canadians sounded off against Boebert's comments as well.
Nah. We’re good. https://t.co/us1Kqfip9Z
— Ontario RECE (@Camlin65) February 28, 2022
American conservatives can keep its brand of "freedom" away from Canada, thank you very much. We'll pass. https://t.co/XeYpW0ExwP
— Neil Before Zod™ (@WaytowichNeil) February 27, 2022
Not like these guys could find us on a map anyway. 🇨🇦 https://t.co/XxbklQtYkJ
— Stephanie Carvin (@StephanieCarvin) February 28, 2022
You can keep your paws off my soil you filthy animal. https://t.co/4D6E4qKoiS
— kris meloche (@krismeloche) February 27, 2022
Last time they tried to liberate us we burned down their capital building, and they had to paint it white. https://t.co/4CWVeAgw0G
— Eric Woolfe (@ericwoolfe) February 28, 2022
Not a good look, Congresswoman.
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