Republican Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Steve Daines (R-MT) are in massive hot water for committing a security breach by posting photos of their Zoom call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky despite instructions NOT to do so, according to Congressman Dean Phillips (D). Their reckless actions likely jeopardized the life of Zelensky, who has fended off multiple assassination threats.
Haley Talbot, Julie Tsirkin, and Nicole Acevedo at NBC News:
Two Republican senators are facing criticism after tweeting photos of a video call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy even though participating lawmakers were told to not share pictures on social media while it was in progress.
Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Steve Daines of Montana posted pictures of Zelenskyy on their Twitter accounts during the Zoom meeting Saturday morning, writing that they were on a call with him.
Democratic Reps. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Jason Crow of Colorado criticized the senators on Twitter.
Phillips noted that the "Ukrainian ambassador very intentionally asked each of us on the Zoom to NOT share anything on social media during the meeting to protect the security of President Zelenskyy."
"Appalling and reckless ignorance by two U.S. Senators," Phillips wrote.
Tom Boggioni at Raw Story:
Despite a plea from Ukraine's ambassador to stay off social media during a Zoom call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who wanted to address his concerns with U.S. lawmakers as his country is being invaded by Russia, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), as well as Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) felt compelled to announce to the world on Twitter that they were participating by posting a screenshot.
That, in turn, earned them a stern rebuke from Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) who called them out for their "appalling and reckless ignorance" despite being warned.
John L. Dorman at Business Insider:
During the discussion, the Ukrainian president sought additional military aid from the US, among other requests.
Several aides who spoke with NBC News said lawmakers were specifically asked not to tweet about the meeting.
Phillips on Saturday also said that lawmakers were asked by the US Ambassador to Ukraine not to share visual details of the meeting to "protect the security" of Zelensky, who remains in a precarious position as he rallies his citizens against the Russian assault on Ukraine.
