Former Vice President Mike Pence issued a warning on Thursday, stating that if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to invade Ukraine, he would likely target a NATO nation next. This would then prompt the United States to intervene directly.
During an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on "The Lead," Pence shared his belief that Putin's aggression would not stop at Ukraine's borders. He expressed confidence that Putin would eventually target a NATO country, putting American troops in a position where they would have to engage in combat.
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Pence recently spoke out against providing aid to Ukraine to GOP members. The House is currently debating on passing a foreign aid package that includes funding for Ukraine. Despite facing pressure from GOP hardliners, House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that he will proceed with his plan to bring the foreign aid bills to the floor.
Pence praised Johnson for pushing forward with the foreign aid bills, even though there was a risk of backlash from some conservative members of their party.
Pence expressed his admiration for Johnson's decision to stand by his beliefs and trust the American people to support him. Pence described Johnson's actions as a display of moral courage.
During a Brussels Forum session in Belgium, Pence expressed concern about Putin potentially invading Ukraine. He mentioned that if this were to happen, it could lead to a situation where NATO members may need to intervene under Article 5.
Article 5 is a NATO principle stating that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members.
Pence warned that if Russia wins, it could encourage other authoritarian governments. He also mentioned that China might be inspired to invade Taiwan.
During his conversation with Tapper, the ex-vice president emphasized the importance of the current situation. He urged Congress to provide aid to Ukraine as the country faces a challenging time.
It is a crucial moment for the United States to stand tall as the leader of the free world. We must send a strong message not only to Russia and Vladimir Putin, but also reaffirm our support for our ally Israel, back Taiwan, and show a clear stance against the leaders in Tehran and Beijing. America is committed to standing up for freedom.
During his presidential campaign, Pence visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. While some GOP candidates, including his former boss Donald Trump, questioned US aid to Ukraine, Pence remained unwavering in his support for the country. Trump, who is now the presumptive GOP nominee, has even suggested that Russia should have free rein over NATO member countries that do not meet defense spending guidelines. Pence withdrew from the 2024 race in October.
Editor's P/S:
Mike Pence's warning about Russia's potential invasion of Ukraine and its possible consequences for NATO nations raises concerns about the escalation of tensions in the region. His belief that Putin's aggression could extend beyond Ukraine's borders and trigger a direct intervention by the United States underscores the gravity of the situation. Pence's support for providing aid to Ukraine highlights the importance of international cooperation in the face of such threats.
The potential implications of an invasion of Ukraine are far-reaching. Pence warns that it could lead to a wider conflict involving NATO members, with Article 5 requiring their collective response to an attack on one of their own. This could lead to a significant military engagement between NATO and Russia. Moreover, Pence expresses concern that such an invasion would embolden other authoritarian regimes like China, potentially leading to further geopolitical instability.