On Thursday, former President George W. Bush released a statement from his home in Dallas, Texas. He condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and called it a historic disaster. He asked Americans to remain united in the face of the aggressive stance by President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

The former president said that Russia’s attack on Ukraine constituted the “gravest security crisis on the European continent since World War II.” He said that he joined the international community in “condemning Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.”

President Bush also asked all Americans to stand united behind the people of Ukraine. He said that both the American government as well as people in the nation “must stand united” with the people and the government of Ukraine as they sought their “freedom” as well as the “right to choose their future.”

He also took direct aim at the Russian President as he said that the “authoritarian bullying and danger that Putin poses” could not be tolerated. He described Ukraine as the nation’s friend as well as a democratic ally. He noted that the country and its people deserved “full support” during their most difficult time.

Other Republicans who have commented that America should offer full support to Ukraine include congressman Michael McCaul from Texas, who is the Republican Leader of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Chuck Grassley, a senior member of the GOP from Iowa.

Although President Bush and other senior Republican colleagues are standing beside the government of President Biden by condemning the invasion of Ukraine and unitedly offering support, one prominent Republican has come out in support of President Putin.

Former President Donald Trump, who remains the leader of the GOP, recently praised the Russian leader. He called Putin a “genius.” Trump also described the Russian troops who invaded their neighboring country, Ukraine as “peacekeepers.”