Former Vice President Mike Pence weighed in on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” Pence emphasized the need for President Donald Trump to take a stronger stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin. He called for additional secondary sanctions, insisting that “the hammer needs to come, and it needs to come immediately.” This call for action came following a meeting where Trump appeared to shift from advocating for an immediate ceasefire to pursuing a broader peace agreement.
Pence described Trump’s diplomacy with dictators as a “velvet glove” approach. He argued that engaging with Putin without assertive measures risks prolonging the war. Pence said, “We can’t allow Vladimir to run out the clock on the war,” stressing the urgency of a timely response to Russian aggression. He urged Trump to reach out to Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pass a bipartisan sanctions bill that has broad support in the Senate.
The former vice president also recalled historical precedents of Putin’s aggressive actions, citing conflicts in Georgia, Crimea, and now Ukraine. “Putin is not going to stop until he’s stopped,” he noted, reinforcing the argument that strength and resolve are needed in dealing with Russia. Pence commended Trump for his efforts towards peace in Ukraine and acknowledged the president’s past successes in brokering agreements elsewhere, indicating a belief in Trump’s capability as a leader in global diplomacy.
However, Pence expressed caution about the negotiations unfolding between Trump and Putin. He mentioned the essential need to ensure American national security remains uncompromised. Pence stated, “No deal is better than a bad deal,” articulating a clear stance on the importance of a solid and just resolution rather than any agreement that may lack substance.
As Trump prepares to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from the UK and Europe, he teased significant progress on Russia via his social media platform. The event underscores the tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict and the high stakes involved in diplomatic relations between these key players. In his closing remarks, Pence reiterated the necessity for the U.S. and its allies to stand firm with Ukraine, stating, “Now more than ever, America and our allies need to stand strongly with Ukraine.”
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