Mike Pence Breaks With DeSantis Over Ukraine Position

On Friday, former Vice President Mike Pence broke with comments made by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), warning that it would be “wrong” to think that Russian President Vladimir Putin would stop his conquest if he successfully takes control of Ukraine.

While delivering an address at the University of Texas at Austin, Pence argued for the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine on the first anniversary of the war and cautioned that a Russian victory over the embattled nation could draw the U.S. into a broader conflict, and threaten the sovereignty of NATO allies. Pence also placed blame on the conflict squarely on Putin’s shoulders.

“Make no mistake: This is not America’s war. But if we falter in our commitment to providing the support to help people of Ukraine to defend their freedom, our sons and daughters may soon be called upon to defend ours,” Pence said during the speech. “If we surrender to the siren song of those in this country who argue that America has no interest in freedom’s cause, history teaches we may soon send our own into harm’s way.”

Following the speech, Pence was interviewed by NBC News and was specifically asked about DeSantis’ views, after the Florida governor expressed opposition to open-ended support for Ukraine while casting doubt on the idea that Russia could seek to invade other countries. 

“The fear of Russia going into NATO countries and all that and steamrolling, you know, that has not even come close to happening,” DeSantis said on Fox News.

Referencing DeSantis’ remarks, Pence told NBC News, “I would say anyone that thinks that Vladimir Putin will stop at Ukraine is wrong. While some in my party have taken a somewhat different view, there can be no room in the leadership of the Republican Party for apologists for Putin. There can only be room for champions of freedom.”

“We need to understand the real long-term threat of renewed Russian aggression in Europe,” he continued. “And I hold the view that it will not stop there.”

Pence’s speech, which was reportedly meant to showcase his foreign policy credentials, comes as he is considering a possible 2024 presidential bid, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Pence has been a frequent visitor to early voting states like Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire. 

At present, Pence would see a contest from Trump and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, who have already announced their candidacies. However, other GOP officials such as DeSantis, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) are expected to make decisions about whether to run in the coming months.