Sen. Rand Paul discusses Russian invasion comments, end of travel mask mandate

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Kentucky republican senator Rand Paul sat down to clarify remarks made throughout a congressional listening to about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Paul was criticized for an exchange made throughout Tuesday’s listening to with U.S. Secretary of Point out Antony Blinken, stating the U.S. experienced pushed Ukraine towards NATO membership, and that NATO aspirations by Ukraine may possibly have been the lead to of Russia’s invasion.

“Knowing complete perfectly that Ukraine was unlikely to at any time be part of NATO, considering that it experienced already been 14 many years since they stated they ended up likely to come to be members, why was it so vital past fall, before this invasion, to proceed agitating Ukraine’s admission to NATO,” Paul claimed on Tuesday.

Speaking with WAVE News on Thursday, Paul explained he was making an attempt to have a dialogue about the root results in of the war and was not defending Putin’s attack in any way.

“It’s just ludicrous, since in no way, form or variety did I at any time say that,” Paul reported. “But I am keen to handle the inquiries of war. It’s my occupation.”

Paul reported he wished to make it clear that he has no sympathy for Russia and there is “no justification” for Putin’s actions.

The senator also spoke about a nationwide mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit soon after a federal judge in Florida struck down the prerequisite on April 18.

The Section of Justice is desirable the choice contending it’s a possibility to general public well being.

Paul explained to WAVE News he had been on a airplane on Monday for the very first time because the mandate ended, saying most people today he saw have been without having masks and seemed happy.

“When I appeared about the airport on Monday, 97 % of the people had decided on not to don a mask,” Paul said. “Why? Simply because they’ve either been vaccinated or experienced the ailment or equally and they’ve accessed their danger to be very small.”

Paul explained he would be in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, but sidestepped close to talks about a fundraiser scheduled to get location at Churchill Downs on Derby Day with former President Donald Trump in attendance.

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