Former Vice President Mike Pence issued a warning that if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to successfully overrun Ukraine, he would likely attack a NATO nation, leading to direct involvement from the US military. Pence expressed his concerns during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, highlighting the potential consequences of a Russian invasion of Ukraine on neighboring NATO countries. He emphasized the need for the US to take a firm stand in support of Ukraine and other allies in the face of Russian aggression.
The House of Representatives is currently debating a foreign aid package that includes funding for Ukraine. Despite facing pressure from GOP hardliners, House Speaker Mike Johnson has committed to moving forward with the aid bills. Pence praised Johnson for his decision, commending him for his moral courage in standing by his beliefs and trusting the American people to support the aid package. The former vice president stressed the importance of providing assistance to Ukraine during this critical time.
During a Brussels Forum session in Belgium, Pence reiterated his concerns about the potential ramifications of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. He warned that if Putin were to succeed in invading Ukraine, it could lead to a broader conflict that would require NATO members to fulfill their obligations under Article 5, which states that an attack on one member of NATO is an attack on all members. Pence also raised the possibility of authoritarian regimes being emboldened by a Russian victory, leading to further aggression from countries like China.
Pence called on Congress to approve US aid to Ukraine and reiterated the significance of the US’s role as a leader in the free world. He emphasized the need for the US to send a strong message to Russia, allies like Israel, Taiwan, and other adversaries like Iran and China. Pence’s stance on supporting Ukraine has remained consistent, even as other GOP figures, including former President Donald Trump, have raised questions about the amount of aid provided to the country. Trump, who is the presumptive GOP nominee for the 2024 race, has expressed his willingness to let Russia act freely towards NATO members that do not meet defense spending guidelines.
As a presidential candidate, Pence visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, reinforcing his commitment to supporting the country amid Russian aggression. While Pence dropped out of the 2024 race in October, he continues to advocate for a strong US stance towards Russia and its allies. His warnings about the potential consequences of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and the importance of supporting NATO allies reflect broader concerns about the stability and security of the region. Pence’s calls for US leadership in confronting authoritarian regimes and standing up for freedom underscore the critical importance of the current geopolitical situation.
