Pence Urges Trump to Hit Putin Hard with Immediate Sanctions

Mike Pence Calls for Immediate Sanctions Against Putin

Former Vice President Mike Pence emphasized the need for immediate secondary sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin during an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union." He described Trump’s approach to dealing with dictators as a "velvet glove" strategy, but argued that it is time for the "hammer" to come down.

Pence made these remarks following a high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Putin in Alaska. During the meeting, Trump shifted from advocating for an immediate ceasefire to pushing for a broader peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. This change in stance has raised concerns among some U.S. officials about the potential outcomes of the negotiations.

In his interview, Pence stressed the importance of combining diplomatic engagement with firm actions against Putin. He said, "The combination of engagement, but also making it clear to Putin that we are prepared to take actions that would literally break his economy even while we redouble our commitment to the security of Ukraine."

The Need for Swift Action

Pence highlighted the urgency of implementing additional sanctions, urging Trump to contact Senate Majority Leader John Thune to expedite the passage of a secondary sanctions bill. He noted that this bill is supported by nearly all members of the U.S. Senate. "The sanctions ought to be on the president’s desk, available for his signature while negotiations begin," he said.

He also warned that allowing the war to continue until winter could have dire consequences. "We can’t allow Vladimir to run out the clock on the war in this year and this season," Pence added. He emphasized that both sanctions and negotiations must proceed simultaneously to ensure real progress toward a peace agreement.

Historical Context and Concerns

Pence reflected on past actions by Putin, pointing out that he attacked Georgia under President George W. Bush, annexed Crimea under President Barack Obama, and invaded Ukraine after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden. He described Putin's goals as reasserting the old Soviet sphere of influence, which he referred to as the "evil empire" in Eastern Europe.

Pence acknowledged Trump's efforts to secure peace in Ukraine, noting previous agreements in Africa, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. However, he expressed concern that some within the administration had advocated for cutting Ukraine loose months ago. "I think he deserves credit as leader of the free world for not giving up on Ukraine," Pence said.

Evaluating the Summit Outcomes

According to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, the talks between Trump and Putin showed some progress. He noted that there was at least an ascent in Putin and Trump’s meeting regarding the United States providing security guarantees. Witkoff also stated that Trump did not compromise on America's national security or the security of its allies in Eastern Europe.

Despite the discussions, Trump refused to agree to any land swaps on behalf of Ukraine. Putin reportedly pushed for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for freezing fronts in other areas. Pence reiterated that the main issue remains Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which has lasted over three years.

A Call for Strong Leadership

Pence urged America and its allies to stand strongly with Ukraine and create conditions for a just and lasting peace. He emphasized that the focus should remain on holding Putin accountable for his actions.

Before speaking to CNN, Trump posted on TRUTH Social, claiming, "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!" He also criticized media coverage of his meeting with Putin, accusing them of distorting the truth. Trump claimed that no matter what he does, the media will report negatively about him.

He also mentioned that if he managed to get Russia to give up Moscow as part of a deal, the media and Democrats would likely criticize him. "That’s why they are the FAKE NEWS!" he wrote. Trump also called attention to the wars he claims to have stopped, emphasizing his "MAGA" agenda.

Conclusion

Mike Pence's comments reflect a growing sentiment among some U.S. officials who believe that stronger measures are needed to counter Putin's aggression. While Trump's approach to diplomacy continues to evolve, the pressure for swift and decisive action remains high. As the situation in Ukraine unfolds, the balance between diplomacy and sanctions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the conflict.