It’s likely a case of a massive vetting failure rather than a personal endorsement. In the middle of an existential war, the government’s priority is survival and results on the ground. When you're fighting for your country's existence, you often have to work with whoever is providing critical support, even if their personal business or politics are controversial. It’s a messy reality where pragmatism often outweighs perfect optics.
I said the same thing years ago for this conflict. In an existential crisis you can not afford to have morals. You will take all the help you can get, because otherwise you will lose. I know this rubs people the wrong, and we have seen notable users decry the german symbolism etc. but Ukraine does not have the luxury to be goody goody. On the contrary, with the US backing off and Europe seen as useless, Ukraine will lean further right.
My Issue rather is that (a) the US supported an illegal coup to topple the Ukrainian Gov, (b) refused to support the re-installation of said Gov and subsequent free elections (c) provided Weapons, military Training and Nato integration in the 7 years prior to Russia's invasion (d) Basically encouraged Russia to invade Ukraine (in order to then sanction Russia in the hopes of destroying said country) (e) refused to deescalate the conflict, refused to negotiate (f) instructed its allies to do the same and (g) provided more and more weapons as the years went on, from Tanks to F16's to long range missiles, which brought to the brink of a nuclear conflict.
and yes Russian killed A LOT of people.