Pence blasts Trump's stance on Ukraine conflict

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, associated with the Republican Party, publicly criticized Donald Trump for his statements on the war in Ukraine. In his post on the portal X, Pence highlighted that it is Russia, not Ukraine, that is responsible for starting the conflict.

"Mr. President, Ukraine did not 'start' this war," wrote Pence. "Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth," he emphasized.

To his post, Pence attached a link to an article on the Fox News website from February 24, 2022, the day of Russia's attack. Fox News, a station favorable to Trump, wrote at the time: "Russia invades Ukraine in largest European attack since WWII."

Pence, a former congressman, senator, and vice president, currently outside of politics, remains out of favor with Trump since January 6, 2021, the day when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. He went against Trump's pressure and carried out the lawful formal certification of Joe Biden's election as U.S. president.

Few members of the Republican Party have dared to publicly oppose Trump's recent statements aimed at Ukraine. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska stated that she "certainly would not call President Zelensky a dictator." Similar positions were taken by Senators Susan Collins of Maine and John Kennedy of Louisiana, who described Vladimir Putin as a "gangster." Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina added that the war is being waged due to "one human being on the face of this planet. It was Vladimir Putin."

The BBC noted that if conclusions can be drawn from past events, the statements of these Republican politicians will not lead to changes in U.S. foreign policy. "Presidents have broad powers in international relations, and Trump has been clear about his views on Ukraine for years," it emphasized.