Former Vice President Mike Pence Visits the Forty Acres

Clements Center Associate Director Paul Edgar opened the event and introduced Misha Simanovskyy, a graduate student at UT- Austin who is also enrolled in the Clements Center’s Graduate Portfolio in Security Studies. Misha is originally from the Donbas region of Ukraine, which has become the epicenter of fierce fighting since Russia’s full-scale invasion one year ago. Misha encouraged the audience not to forget about Ukraine and asked that the United States continue its support. Pence took the stage and started his remarks by paying tribute to Misha and his family, noting their courageous actions and his hope that peace will be restored to a free and independent Ukraine. Pence praised the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people, calling them an “inspiration to the free world.”

Pence pointed out that the human suffering seen over the last year hasn’t been seen since World War II, noting that millions have fled and over 300,000 have been wounded or killed. Pence placed the blame squarely on Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the attack “unprovoked and unconscionable.” Pence called for the United States to continue supporting the Ukrainians, warning, “It is foolish to think that Putin will stop at Ukraine’s western border.” Pence also emphasized the importance of continuing to provide humanitarian aid to the nearly 40 million civilians remaining in Ukraine: “The United States and the free world should be prepared to combat Putin’s efforts to isolate the civilian population in Ukraine. We must ensure they have access to food, water, and medicine to survive and fight.” Pence ended his remarks by calling for Americans to stand together with the people of Ukraine and to pray for peace.

 

Below is a round-up of press clips:

‘Don’t Be Fooled’: Why Leading GOPers Are Taking Aim At Both Trump and DeSantis, Politico

Mike Pence urges support for Ukraine, calls out ‘apologists for Putin’ in Austin speech, Austin American Statesman 

Mike Pence criticizes Biden, GOP during UT Austin speech about Ukraine, KXAN

Former Vice President Mike Pence visits UT, KVUE

Former VP Mike Pence speaks at UT Austin one year after start of Russia-Ukraine war, Fox 7

Mike Pence, possible Trump 2024 challenger, slams ‘apologists for Putin’ in the GOP, CNBC

Pence Draws Contrast With Trump as He Defends US Aid for Ukraine, Bloomberg 

Pence says there’s ‘no room’ in GOP leadership ‘for apologists for Putin’, Washington Examiner

Former VP Mike Pence visits UT Austin, speaks on one-year anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine, The Daily Texan

Pence urges Ukraine support as GOP hopefuls split on US aid, AP News

 

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