Mike Pence on Trump's Russia Policy Shift and Support for Ukraine

Pence's Hope for Trump's View on Putin

• 💡 My hope is that President Trump is starting to recognize that Vladimir Putin doesn't want peace but wants Ukraine.
• 💬 Zelenskyy has consistently shown readiness for a ceasefire and a negotiated lasting peace.
• ⚠️ The recent barrage of attacks on civilian populations highlights the ongoing conflict.

Reversal of Suspended Aid to Ukraine

• ✅ Pence welcomes the decision to reverse the Pentagon's suspension of aid to Ukraine.
• 🇺🇸 He recalls the Trump administration was the first to provide lethal aid to Ukraine, including Stinger missiles, which he believes deterred Putin.
• 📉 The withdrawal from Afghanistan emboldened Putin to invade Ukraine.

Trump's Rhetoric and Isolationist Voices

• 🗣️ Pence welcomes Trump's recent sharper criticism of Putin and support for Ukraine.
• 🌍 He suggests this shift may be due to isolationist voices losing credibility after criticizing the US military action against Iran.
• 🤝 The time has come to renew military support for Ukraine with European allies until a just and lasting peace is achieved.

Pentagon's Decision on Weapons Shipments

• 🤔 Pence found the reporting that the Pentagon paused weapons shipments without informing the President troubling.
• 🔍 He expects the President to get to the bottom of who initiated the decision.
• 📞 The most important aspect is that the President reversed the decision and assured Zelenskyy of continued support.

Trump's Stance on Isolationism

• 🇺🇸 Pence asserts that President Trump is not an isolationist and his bias is to lead.
• 🌍 He believes Trump understands America's role as the leader of the free world, evidenced by demanding NATO allies meet commitments.
• 🗣️ While acknowledging a vigorous debate within the Republican party about pulling back, Pence believes the American people understand the role of leading the free world.

Republican Party and Populism

• 🏛️ Pence believes President Trump has changed aspects of the Republican party's agenda but has not changed the party itself.
• 🇺🇸 He states that Republican voters are committed to strong national defense, American leadership, fiscal responsibility, progrowth policies, the right to life, and traditional values.
• 🗣️ He views the populist movement advocating for marginalizing the right to life and embracing big government programs as a minority voice.