Mike Pence Slams Trump Over Russian Energy Sanctions Relief, Calls It a “Betrayal” of Lindsey Graham’s Legacy Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian energy, arguing that the move undermines efforts to pressure Moscow over its ongoing war against Ukraine. Pence described the decision […]

Mike Pence Slams Trump Over Russian Energy Sanctions Relief, Calls It a “Betrayal” of Lindsey Graham’s Legacy

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian energy, arguing that the move undermines efforts to pressure Moscow over its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Pence described the decision as a betrayal of the legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who strongly advocated tougher sanctions against Russia.

While Ukraine continues fighting for its survival, Pence accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of pursuing a brutal war against Ukrainian civilians, warning that easing restrictions on Russian energy could provide financial support to Moscow’s military campaign.

Drawing on a visit to Ukraine last month, Pence argued that Ukrainian forces have successfully challenged Russia’s military and transformed modern warfare through the use of drones, including strikes deep inside Russian territory.

“America should not be throwing a lifeline to Putin’s war machine,” Pence said, calling on Washington to maintain a firm stance against Russian aggression.

He also warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine could threaten the wider security of Europe and eventually create direct security risks for the United States and its allies.

Pence urged Trump to reverse the decision, restore tougher sanctions and impose penalties on countries purchasing Russian energy. He also called for closer cooperation with U.S. allies to ensure Ukraine receives the military assistance needed to repel Russia’s invasion.

“Putin doesn’t want peace. Putin wants Ukraine,” Pence declared.

The former vice president concluded by urging the United States to return to the tougher Russia policy pursued during the first Trump administration.