Pompeo says backing Ukraine is in ‘America’s core interest’ following trip to Kyiv
Ryan King
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Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that he views ending the conflict in Ukraine to be in “America’s core interest” following a visit to the war-torn country.
Pompeo toured the devastation from Russia’s invasion, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky weeks after the war eclipsed the one-year mark.
PELOSI FEARED SHE ‘COULD POSSIBLY DIE’ DURING UKRAINE VISIT
Support for Ukraine has emerged as a flashpoint in the 2024 GOP primary, with former President Donald Trump and expected rival Ron DeSantis scrutinizing the tens of billions in aid the United States has sent to the country.
“I’ve just left Ukraine. I’ve seen the damage caused by Putin’s invasion. And I’ve been inspired by the bravery of the Ukrainian people. One thing is clear: helping Ukraine end this war is in America’s core interest,” Pompeo tweeted.
https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/1643256479607029763
Last month, Fox News host Tucker Carlson surveyed announced and potential 2024 contenders about the war in Ukraine. DeSantis sparked controversy for characterizing the war as a mere “territorial dispute” that was not a vital United States interest. He later clarified that he supports Ukraine but is opposed to sending troops.
Republicans have splintered over support for prolonged aid to Ukraine. So far, the U.S. has greenlighted over $113 billion in both military and humanitarian aid, though not all of that has been delivered yet, according to the Committee for a Responsible Budget.
“If Putin wins, he’ll control critical exports to the U.S. And he’ll be on the brink of a broader war in Europe. We can’t let that happen,” Pompeo added. “The Ukrainian people have endured indescribable suffering. But they’re resilient. They’re not asking for American troops — just our support. We should give it to them.”
Last week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing scrutinizing the aid delivered to Ukraine that concluded, at least so far, there is no evidence of significant misuse. The panel was helmed by Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), a supporter of Ukraine.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has said that Republicans will not give Ukraine a “blank check” and has come under pressure from his right flank to step up oversight of the aid.
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Pompeo, who is mulling a run for president, has teased a decision will be made within the next couple of weeks.
He has previously sought to push the GOP to remain committed to its support for Ukraine, recently connecting the war effort in Ukraine to the effort to counter a rising China.