Sanders says it’s a 'horrible suggestion' for Zelensky to step down

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said it’s a “horrible suggestion” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to step down after his disastrous meeting with President Trump.

Sanders joined NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” where host Kristen Welker asked him about the various calls for Zelensky to step aside to pave the way for a ceasefire with Russia.

“I think that is a horrific suggestion,” Sanders said. “Zelensky is leading a country, trying to defend a democracy against an authoritarian dictator, Putin, who invaded his country.”

Sanders argued that “millions of Americans” were embarrassed that the rare mineral deal with Zelensky had ended with Trump and Vice President Vance shouting. The argument came just days after Trump called the Ukrainian leader a dictator and has appeared to side with Russia over the matter.

“Our job is to defend the 250-year tradition that we have of being the democratic leader of the world, not turn our backs on a struggling country that is trying to do the right thing,” he said.

It’s unclear where the ceasefire talks are headed now, as Zelensky left the White House several hours early, and he and Trump appear to be further apart than when he touched down in Washington.