**WASHINGTON — Deep Divisions Emerge Among Republicans on U.S. Role in Ukraine Conflict**
The Republican primary debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday is set to highlight the stark divisions within the party when it comes to America’s role in the Russian war on Ukraine. Reflecting the diverse views of Republican voters, some of the party’s presidential candidates support sending more lethal aid to bolster Ukraine’s war effort. These candidates also view the conflict as a proxy war in defense of global democracy.
However, an equal portion of the GOP field wants the United States to shift its focus away from Europe. They propose that Ukraine should surrender its sovereign territory to Moscow in order to bring a swift end to the war. This group believes that the United States should concentrate on confronting China’s global ambitions, containing North Korea’s nuclear program, and further isolating Iran.
A recent New York Times/Siena poll found that 53% of Republican primary voters opposed sending additional U.S. military and economic aid to Ukraine, while 44% supported it. Despite these differences, all Republican candidates seem to agree that President Joe Biden has mishandled the U.S. role in the war.
Here is an overview of where each candidate stands on the Ukraine conflict:
**Donald Trump**
Former President Donald Trump claims, without evidence, that he could have prevented Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine by brokering a deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump believes that an “easy” peace deal could have been reached, even if it required Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia. However, Trump was impeached in 2019 for withholding U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine as leverage to coerce Zelenskyy into launching an investigation of the Biden family.
**Mike Pence**
Former Vice President Mike Pence was the first Republican candidate to travel to Ukraine after Russia invaded. Although his visit was brief, it included a meeting with Zelenskyy and a visit to pay respects at mass grave sites left behind by Russian soldiers. Pence argues that the United States should continue to support Ukraine financially and believes that if Kyiv falls, Putin would push deeper into Europe.
**Vivek Ramaswamy**
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy opposes U.S. aid to Ukraine, arguing that the conflict does not serve American interests. He believes that the Russia-China axis poses a greater threat to U.S. national security and deserves more attention. Ramaswamy proposes a peace plan that would see Ukraine conceding most of its Donbas region to Russia, with assurances that Ukraine will not join NATO. He also suggests closing all American military installations in Eastern Europe in order to improve relations with Russia.
**Nikki Haley**
Former South Carolina Governor and ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has criticized President Biden for not doing enough to support Ukraine but has not offered an alternative approach. Haley believes that the United States should not send money or troops to Ukraine but should instead provide equipment and ammunition to Ukraine’s allies. She argues that a Ukrainian victory would send a message to China, North Korea, and Iran.
**Tim Scott**
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has accused President Biden of doing a poor job explaining why the United States needs to support Ukraine. Scott asserts that degrading the Russian military is vital to protect American sovereign territory and NATO partners.
**Ron DeSantis**
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis believes that U.S. military support for Ukraine does not align with America’s best interests. He has referred to the conflict as a “territorial dispute” but later amended his statement due to criticism. DeSantis believes that NATO should be taking the lead in ensuring the security of the continent.
**Chris Christie**
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie visited Ukraine after Pence and expressed the importance of preventing atrocities like torture, rape, and executions. Christie views the conflict in Ukraine as a proxy war with China. He believes that China indirectly supports Russia through economic ties, and Iran benefits from Chinese-supplied drones used against Ukrainian soldiers.
**Francis Suarez**
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has called on NATO allies to do more in Ukraine but has yet to provide specifics. He believes that the war is not simply a territorial dispute and frames it as a moral and geopolitical struggle against authoritarianism.
**Will Hurd**
Former Texas Representative Will Hurd wants Ukraine to regain all territory under Russian occupation, including Crimea. As a retired CIA officer, he advocates for sending as much weaponry to Ukraine as possible and establishing a no-fly zone. Hurd has criticized Trump and DeSantis for their positions on Ukraine and emphasizes the importance of supporting allies against attacks on democracy.
**Doug Burgum**
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum aims to end the war quickly and calls for more burden-sharing among NATO allies. He also supports greater oversight of U.S. financial and security assistance to Ukraine.
**Asa Hutchinson**
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has criticized the Biden administration for its lack of support in supplying Ukraine. He believes that the conflict is a fight for democracy and urges the United States to stand with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people.
By analyzing each candidate’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, it is evident that the Republican Party remains divided on America’s role in this significant international crisis.