Victoria Spartz: From Ukrainian Immigrant to US Congresswoman and Her Evolving Stance on Ukraine

Victoria Spartz, the first Ukrainian-born member of the US House of Representatives, has had a dynamic political journey marked by shifting positions on US aid to Ukraine and a complex relationship with both US President Donald J. Trump and Ukrainian leadership.

Early Life and Pre-Congressional Career

Born in Nosivka, Chernihiv region, Ukraine, Spartz immigrated to the United States in 2000 after meeting her husband, Jason Spartz, during a train journey in Europe. Settling in Indiana, she pursued a career in finance and academia, working as a bank teller and later teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. In addition she managed farm property, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Political Ascendancy and Congressional Tenure

Spartz’s political career commenced with her appointment to the Indiana State Senate in 2017, filling a vacancy left by a retiring senator. Her active involvement in the Hamilton County Republican Party in Indiana facilitated this opportunity. In 2020, she entered the national political arena by winning Indiana’s 5th Congressional District seat, securing nearly 40% of the vote in a crowded Republican primary. Notably, former President Donald Trump endorsed her during the general election, bolstering her campaign. She was re-elected in 2022 with 61% of the vote following redistricting that favoured Republicans.

Relationship with President Donald Trump

Spartz’s association with Trump has been complex. While she benefited from his endorsement in 2020, her subsequent actions reflect a degree of independence. She has both supported and criticised elements of Trump’s agenda, navigating the complex dynamics of Republican politics with some sophistication during a time of change. During a town hall in March 2025, Spartz faced significant backlash from constituents while defending extensive federal cuts championed by Trump and his adviser, Elon Musk. The event was marked by boos and chants of “do your job,” highlighting the contentious nature of her alignment with Trump’s fiscal policies. 

Stance on Ukraine and US Aid

Initially, Spartz emerged as a vocal advocate for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022. She made impassioned pleas for increased US support, drawing from her personal connections to the conflict. However, her position evolved over time. By 2024, Spartz voted against a $61 billion aid package to Ukraine, citing concerns over oversight and emphasizing the need to prioritise US border security. She stated “[m]y responsibility is the protection of American people,” underscoring her shift towards domestic priorities over international ones. 

Moreover Spartz has been critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his administration, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement of aid. Her remarks drew a rare rebuke from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, which accused her of “trying to earn extra political capital on baseless speculation”. Within the US, her Republican colleagues expressed concern that her attacks could undermine bipartisan efforts to support Ukraine. 

Views on Resolving the Conflict

Spartz has advocated for a strategic approach to resolving the Ukraine conflict, emphasising the necessity of clear objectives and robust oversight of aid. She has called on both President Biden and President Zelenskyy to “stop playing politics with people’s lives” and to implement “urgent action items” to streamline aid delivery and combat Russian aggression effectively. Her proposals include real-time auditing systems and increased personnel on the ground to ensure aid reaches those in need. 

In an interview with London's The Daily Telegraph on 7 April 2024, Spartz opined that Ukraine is not in a position to demand the return of all occupied territories. "If they were winning the war, that would be very different", she said. She continued to say "[t]here are no easy solutions", blaming former US President Biden and remarking that "President Trump inherited it, so now he has to deal with it". She accused President Zelenskyy of "insulting the American President" and doing a "disservice to the Ukrainian people". She also suggest that Ukrainians should vote President Zelenskyy out of office in forthcoming elections, remarking "[t]hey will have an election, and then if they elect him, they're going to lose the rest of the country".

The Wall Street Journal reported on 4 April 2024 that Spartz would not support a new US$60 billion Ukraine aid bill. It can be presumed that this position will continue for future Ukraine aid bills. Spartz has also criticised President Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, which might be taken to imply a degree of personal animus.

Comparison with Congressional Peers

Spartz’s evolving stance contrasts with other prominent members of Congress who have maintained consistent support for Ukraine. While figures like Senator Lindsey Graham have continued to advocate for robust aid packages, Spartz’s calls for stringent oversight and her criticicisms of Ukrainian leadership align her with the more sceptical wing of the Republican Party. This divergence reflects broader intra-party debates over foreign aid and fiscal responsibility.

Reception Among Constituents and Ukrainian-Americans

In her Indiana district, Spartz’s positions have elicited mixed reactions. Some constituents appreciate her focus on domestic issues and fiscal conservatism, while others express concern over her reduced support for Ukraine. Among Ukrainian-Americans her criticisms of Zelenskyy and opposition to aid packages have been particularly contentious, given the community’s vested interest in robust US support for Ukraine.

Influence on US Foreign Policy and Political Trajectory

While Spartz’s unique background lends her a distinctive voice in discussions on Ukraine, it is uncertain how influential she will be in shaping US foreign policy. Her positions resonate with a faction of the Republican Party advocating for reduced foreign aid and increased oversight. However bipartisan consensus largely favours continued support for Ukraine, potentially limiting her impact.

Looking ahead, Spartz’s political future appears unclear. Her initial announcement in early 2023 to retire from Congress, citing a desire to spend more time with her family, was later reversed in February 2024 when she declared her intention to seek re-election, citing dissatisfaction with current leadership in Washington. This reversal, coupled with her fluctuating positions, may influence her standing within the party and among constituents.

In conclusion, Victoria Spartz’s journey from Ukrainian immigrant to US Congresswoman encapsulates a narrative of evolving political stances and the balancing act between domestic priorities and international responsibilities. Her unique perspective continues to contribute to the contentious discourse on US involvement in Ukraine.