Pompeo Criticizes U.S. Response to Russian Aggression in Ukraine

Odesa, Ukraine — Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that the U.S. should have done more to prevent the conflict in Ukraine that escalated after Russia’s aggressive actions in 2014. Speaking in Odesa, Pompeo expressed regret at the failure to deter Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, which he believes led to the full-scale invasion in 2022.

“I regret that there was not more done in 2014, that there was not more done in 2022, and that deterrence was lost,” Pompeo said during discussions on the ongoing war. “We’ve been at the negotiating table an awful lot, and there was no hammer.”

Pompeo acknowledged that the political climate was different in 2014 when Russia’s aggression was not as pronounced. However, he drew parallels between past and present negotiations, stating, “If you went and looked at the debate issue papers from the Minsk conversations, they would look almost identical to the same conversations that are taking place today.”

He emphasized the importance of not returning to business as usual with Russia, stating, “When Vladimir Putin lays down his weapons for a moment, there can’t be life as it once was.” He strongly urged the U.S. to remain committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against the ongoing aggression.

Pompeo also addressed the complexities within U.S. politics, noting that some Republican factions have views that contradict America’s national interests. “There is no walking away from this for the United States,” he said, reinforcing that the situation will affect those who advocate for human dignity and national sovereignty.