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Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly criticized Donald Trump for suggesting that Ukraine started the ongoing war with Russia. In a firm response on X (formerly Twitter), Pence emphasized that Russia was the aggressor, calling out Trump’s misleading narrative.
“Mr. President, Ukraine did not ‘start’ this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth,” Pence wrote, attaching a Fox News article from 2022 titled, “Russia Invades Ukraine in Largest European Attack Since WWII.”
A Growing Divide
Pence’s comments reflect an increasing rift between himself and the former president, particularly on issues of foreign policy and leadership. This division has been evident since January 6, 2021, when Pence distanced himself from Trump over the Capitol riot. He has also refused to endorse Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Mr. President, Ukraine did not “start” this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth.🇺🇸🇺🇦
“Russia Invades Ukraine in Largest European Attack Since WWII” @FoxNews (February 24,… pic.twitter.com/HsWGdyCGOz
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) February 19, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump’s current vice-presidential candidate has echoed his stance on Ukraine, signaling an ongoing shift within the Republican Party. Trump’s claim that Ukraine was responsible for the war has drawn widespread criticism, contradicting well-documented events that show Russia’s unprovoked invasion in February 2022.
Political Implications
As the 2024 election approaches, Pence’s criticism highlights the internal divisions within the GOP regarding foreign policy and U.S. support for Ukraine. With tensions rising over America’s role in the conflict, Pence’s statement underscores the importance of truth and accountability in shaping public discourse.
Trump, who has previously suggested that he could negotiate an end to the war quickly, continues to maintain his controversial stance on Ukraine. However, Pence’s latest remarks indicate that key figures within the party are unwilling to let misinformation go unchallenged.
Whether this latest clash will impact Trump’s campaign remains to be seen, but Pence’s words have once again positioned him as a vocal critic of his former running mate on the international stage.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.