Former US Vice President Mike Pence made the trip to the border Poland and Ukraine share this week in the midst of the ongoing chaos in Ukraine. During his visit, Pence also met with Ukrainian refugees who fled to safety.
Pence visited the Poland-Ukraine border Thursday and met with Ukrainian refugees who fled the country to safety. The former vice president was joined by his wife Karen Pence as part of a trip organized by the American evangelical Christian relief charity Samaritan’s Purse, which is run by Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham.
“The impact of the Russian invasion on these families is heartbreaking and the need for support is great,” tweeted Pence, who also shared photos of his visit.
A source close to the former vice president revealed that Pence has participated in events run by Samaritan’s Purse over the years.
Pence’s visit to Poland also follows his visit to Israel this week, having met with far-right Jewish leaders. The former vice president has publicly condemned the ongoing crisis in Ukraine caused by Russian forces. The invasion, ordered by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, has drawn widespread backlash as well as sanctions and boycotts from countries.
The former vice president’s visit to Ukraine also comes amidst speculation that he is gearing up for a possible presidential bid in the 2024 elections. Pence has ramped up activities under his advocacy group Advancing American Freedom, having recently bought a $10 million ad blitz targeting several House Democrats running for re-election regarding the crisis in Ukraine and the administration’s energy policy.
Pence has also spoken out against members of his party who have praised Putin in the midst of the invasion. During an event with RNC donors, Pence said that there is no room in the GOP for “apologists” for the Russian dictator.
“There is no room in this party for apologists for Putin. There is only room for champions of freedom,” said the former vice president during the event.
The former vice president also went on to call on the Biden administration to impose stronger sanctions on Russia, including sanctions on Russian oil imports.