Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, a prominent Republican figure, has publicly criticized Donald Trump for his remarks regarding the war in Ukraine. In a post on the social media platform X, Pence asserted that Russia, not Ukraine, is the aggressor responsible for initiating the conflict.
"Mr. President, Ukraine did not 'start' this war," Pence wrote. "Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth," he stressed.
To support his statement, Pence shared a link to a Fox News article from February 24, 2022, the day Russia invaded Ukraine. Fox News, a media outlet generally supportive of Trump, reported at the time: "Russia invades Ukraine in largest European attack since WWII."
Pence, who served as a congressman, senator, and vice president, is no longer active in politics but has remained at odds with Trump since the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. On that day, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Pence defied Trump's pressure and upheld his constitutional duty to certify Joe Biden's victory.
**Republican Party Divisions**
Few Republicans have openly challenged Trump's recent statements on Ukraine. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska distanced herself from Trump's rhetoric, stating she "certainly would not call President Zelensky a dictator." Senators Susan Collins of Maine and John Kennedy of Louisiana echoed similar sentiments, with Kennedy describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "gangster." Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina emphasized that the war is the result of "one human being on the face of this planet: Vladimir Putin."
The BBC observed that while these Republican lawmakers have voiced dissent, their statements are unlikely to influence U.S. foreign policy. "Presidents have broad powers in international relations, and Trump has been clear about his views on Ukraine for years," the outlet noted. This suggests that Trump's stance on Ukraine, if he returns to office, will likely remain unchanged despite internal party opposition.
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