**Former US Vice President Mike Pence Criticizes Trump’s Handling of Ukraine War**
In a recent interview with CNN, former US Vice President Mike Pence spoke out against the White House’s stance on the war in Ukraine. Pence, who served as Vice President under Donald Trump, expressed his disagreement with the current administration’s approach to the conflict.
According to Pence, the White House’s actions have “only emboldened Russia” despite efforts to bring about a ceasefire. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace, but rather wants Ukraine, and that the US should provide military support to Ukraine to repel the Russian invasion and achieve a just and lasting peace.
Pence’s comments come as Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has refused to comply. Trump has reportedly grown frustrated with the slow progression of peace negotiations, claiming that Putin may be “tapping” him along and that he may not be interested in ending the war.
**A Critique of Trump’s Approach**
Pence criticized Trump’s handling of the situation, stating that Putin “only understands power.” He argued that the US needs to make it clear that it will continue to lead the free world and provide Ukraine with the military support they need to achieve a just and lasting peace.
In contrast, Trump has been willing to temporarily turn off military aid and stop intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Pence’s comments suggest that he believes this approach has only emboldened Russia.
**A Warning on Long-term Consequences**
Pence also warned of the long-term consequences of not achieving a just peace in Ukraine. He stated that if Putin overruns Ukraine, it will be only a matter of time before he crosses a border where US men and women in uniform will have to go fight him.
This echoes the old Reagan doctrine, which held that if an enemy is willing to fight on their own soil, the US should provide them with the means to do so rather than fighting on US territory. Pence’s comments suggest that he believes this principle still applies today.
**A Divided White House**
Pence’s criticisms of Trump’s approach come at a time when the White House appears to be divided on how to handle the conflict in Ukraine. While Trump has hailed Russia’s announcement of a three-day ceasefire as a significant step towards peace, President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed it as a “theatrical performance” rather than a serious move.
As the war continues to drag on, Pence’s comments highlight the need for a unified and strong US stance in support of Ukraine. By providing military support and leading the free world, the US can help bring about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
