Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said today: "Four and a half years after Russia launched its brutal, unprovoked invasion, I am visiting Ukraine today. I sense that the Ukrainian people's unwavering resolve and belief in defending freedom have grown even stronger than when Russian tanks first rolled in. Ukraine is winning this war. With appropriate support from the United States and our allies, the brave people of Ukraine can secure victory—not only for themselves, but for the entire free world—in this struggle to defend freedom."
Commentary: Pence has long been a traditional hawk within the Republican Party, standing in opposition to Trump’s more conciliatory approach toward Russia. His public statement in Ukraine reflects both a commitment to his own foreign policy principles—believing that supporting Ukraine is essential to safeguarding Western security—as well as strategic calculations within the party. By taking a strong pro-Ukraine stance, he aims to shape his political identity, appeal to establishment Republicans and hawkish voters, and build an image of a firm defender of Western alliances and a tough foreign policy posture—clearly laying groundwork for a potential presidential run. However, his claim that "Ukraine is winning" does not align with the prolonged stalemate on the battlefield.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874349084819466/
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