Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Donald Trump’s foreign policy style on Sunday, arguing that Trump has been too soft on Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Ukraine conflict. Pence made the remarks on CNN’s State of the Union while discussing the ongoing war and Trump’s recent summit remarks.
During the interview, host Jake Tapper pressed Pence on whether Trump had been “played” by Putin, noting Trump’s shift away from demanding an immediate ceasefire. Instead, Trump suggested that a peace deal could be reached quickly if Ukraine ceded control of the Donbas region to Russia. Five Ukrainians were reported killed the night before, further raising questions about the feasibility of Trump’s approach.
Pence responded by drawing on his time as Trump’s vice president, stating that while Trump’s diplomatic style often involved what he called a “velvet glove,” harsher measures were necessary. Pence urged immediate passage of a sanctions package in the Senate, describing it as broadly supported and capable of devastating Russia’s economy if enforced.
Pence emphasized that Putin only respects strength and warned that diplomacy alone would not stop Russian aggression. He argued that the U.S. must balance engagement with the threat of crushing economic consequences, while continuing to provide security assurances to Ukraine and working with European allies.
The remarks reflect ongoing divisions within the Republican Party over how best to address Russia’s war in Ukraine. Some Republicans favor a hardline stance with expanded sanctions and military support, while others, including Trump, have prioritized diplomatic solutions, even if that means concessions from Ukraine. Pence, who has frequently positioned himself as a foreign policy hawk, made clear that he believes any negotiation with Putin must be backed by overwhelming economic and military pressure.
As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet with Trump at the White House, the debate over America’s posture toward Russia remains unsettled. Pence’s comments underscore a larger Republican rift—between those who see diplomacy as the path forward and those who argue that only uncompromising strength can deter Putin’s ambitions.
