One Republican candidate stood out with his controversial take on the Russian/Ukraine war during the first GOP debate, leading to former Vice President Mike Pence calling him a “Rookie,” to name just one of his many critics that night.
Ramaswamy Discusses Russia-Ukraine
Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy sparked fierce debate with his unexpected take on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a recent appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Ramaswamy downplayed the threat of Russia seizing Ukraine, deeming it not a “top foreign policy priority.”
Pressed by host Martha Raddatz, Ramaswamy stated that while he doesn’t favor Russia’s actions, his primary concern lies in safeguarding American interests, most notably defending the southern border.
Chinese Alliance the Concern
Ramaswamy also identified Russia’s alliance with China as a more significant military threat, asserting that U.S. aid to Ukraine may inadvertently push Russia toward China.
Proposing a unique resolution, Ramaswamy suggested ending the Ukraine war in exchange for Putin’s withdrawal from a treaty with China.
During the GOP debate, opinions on U.S. military aid to Ukraine sparked intense exchanges, with Pence slamming Ramaswamy’s strategy and labeling him a “Rookie.”
Ramaswamy faced fierce opposition from Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, and Chris Christie, who asserted the importance of aid for NATO security and countering Russia’s aggression.
Lacking Experience
Haley criticized Ramaswamy’s lack of foreign policy experience and warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine could bolster the Russia-China alliance.
Ukraine and European allies worry that a shift in U.S. aid policy could reverse efforts to repel Russia’s invasion.
When the candidates were asked to raise their hand if they would halt support for Ukraine, Ramaswamy swiftly raised his, saying, “Ukraine is not our priority.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis refrained from ending aid outright, claiming that Europeans should “do their jobs properly” without the need for U.S. support.
DeSantis underscored his focus on defending the southern border, suggesting that resources should be defending home security instead of Ukraine.
“America First.”
Ramaswamy targeted fellow candidates who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before comically referring to the Ukrainian president as “Their Pope.”
Ramaswamy’s reluctance to involve the U.S. militarily in foreign conflicts resonated with far-right Republicans who believe in “America first.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence slammed Ramaswamy, calling Putin a “dictator and a murderer” and warning that following Ramaswamy’s approach could embolden further aggression.
Haley highlighted Ramaswamy’s suggestions to curtail aid to Israel, asserting the importance of maintaining friendly relationships, “You don’t do that to friends.”
Are you on board with Ramaswamy’s hard stance on foreign aid? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The post “Ukraine Not Our Priority” – “Rookie” Republican Ramaswamy Insists “America First.” – Focuses on Southern Border first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
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Source: Axios