In a scathing op-ed published on Fox News, Florida Senator Rick Scott has called on the international community to scrutinize the nations attending Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “Victory Day” celebration in Moscow on May 9th.
Scott characterized the event as a gathering of “evil regimes,” including Communist China, and drew a stark line between those who support freedom and those who align with authoritarianism.
Scott’s commentary comes as Putin prepares to host Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders in Red Square, commemorating Russia’s victory in World War II. The senator argues that the presence of these leaders at the event signifies a dangerous alignment against the United States and its allies.
READ: US-UK Trade Deal: What It Means For Businesses And Consumers
“Pay attention to those who attend, as no country that supports democracy, freedom, or free trade should stand with Putin and Xi,” Scott wrote. He specifically named Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela as nations that “control and abuse the will and God-given rights of their citizens.”
Scott drew parallels to former President Ronald Reagan’s famous “evil empire” speech, delivered in Orlando, Florida, 42 years ago, emphasizing that the struggle between “good and evil” persists. He asserted that while much has changed, the threat to freedom-loving countries has only grown.
The senator sharply criticized nations like Hungary, which he claims “feign alignment with the U.S. but act to support Putin.” He warned that these powers cooperate against the U.S. and its partners, with those in the Western Hemisphere acting as proxies for Russia, China, and Iran.
READ: Florida Sen. Scott, Massachusetts Sen. Warren Introduce Bill For Independent Fed, CFPB Watchdog
Scott highlighted his long-standing concerns about China, recalling past warnings about a “new Cold War.” He expressed disappointment with the Biden administration’s approach, arguing that its “weaknesses” emboldened adversaries.
However, Scott praised the current administration’s efforts to counter these threats, citing actions to crack down on China’s abuses, pressure Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, and exert maximum pressure on Iran. He also acknowledged efforts to bring peace to Ukraine and strengthen NATO alliances, referencing his recent trip to Finland, Estonia, and Denmark.
“The United States will always stand on the side of freedom and democracy; it is not only a noble fight, but an essential one,” Scott concluded. “And we will always stand against those who wish us destroyed. I, for one, will be watching as every nation makes clear which side they’re on come May 9th in Red Square.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
