Presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence visited Ukraine on Thursday to become the first candidate in the Republican primary.
Pence’s adviser said he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and was briefed on potential human rights abuses, including alleged kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russians. He also reportedly “visited the destroyed Romanif Bridge” and was later briefed on the evacuation of civilians during the March 2022 invasion.
“For me, I am here to better understand what the Ukrainian people have endured, the heartless violence inflicted upon them by the Russian army’s gratuitous aggression, and their progress in pushing back that army. It was important.” Pence told NBC News.. “It strengthened my resolve and left me better prepared to go home as I spoke to the American public about the vital importance of America’s assistance in repelling the Russian aggression.”
🚨Mike Pence is visiting Ukraine
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 29, 2023
His visit coincides with the long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive and an attempted coup by the Wagner Group in Russia. The former vice president has tried to differentiate himself in the primary. pro-Ukrainian candidate. (Related: Report: McCarthy Says He’s Participating To Undo Trump’s Two Impeachments
“As Russia continues its unconscionable war of aggression against Ukraine, I believe conservatives must make it clear that Putin should stop and that he will pay the price. “There is no room for apologists to the president. There is only room for freedom defenders in this movement,” Pence said. Said In a speech given at the Heritage Foundation in October, he said:
The United States has greatly supported Ukraine’s efforts against Russian aggression, $110 billion throughout the war. President Joe Biden continually reaffirms U.S. support while trying to reiterate perceived weaknesses in Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Candidates Competing with Mr Pence Including Former President Donald playing cards Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who currently ranks first and second in the Republican polls, has been less explicit about his support. The former president repeatedly insisted that he would negotiate a peace deal within 24 hours, and instead of unconditionally supporting Ukraine, he supported a ceasefire. DeSantis has commented in the past that the war is a “territorial issue,” but he has offered no overarching plan on the issue beyond calling for a ceasefire.
