On August 17, 2025, former Vice President Mike Pence called on President Donald Trump to impose harsh new sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin to pressure him into ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Pence praised Trump’s recent Alaska summit with Putin but criticized his “velvet glove” approach, urging him to “bring the hammer down” with a Senate-backed secondary sanctions bill. Pence argued that Putin “only understands strength” and warned that Russia might exploit delays to prolong the conflict.
The call follows Trump’s summit with Putin on August 15, which failed to secure a ceasefire despite progress toward a broader peace deal. Pence emphasized the need for swift action, citing Putin’s rejection of a February ceasefire proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He urged Trump to push Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pass the sanctions bill, supported by over 80 senators, to cripple Russia’s economy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump’s diplomacy, arguing that premature sanctions could derail negotiations.
Critics, including Democrats, fear Trump’s reluctance to impose sanctions reflects a softer stance on Russia, while supporters see Pence’s push as complementing Trump’s strategy. With Zelenskyy set to meet Trump and European leaders at the White House on August 18, the pressure for a resolution intensifies. Pence’s remarks highlight the delicate balance between diplomacy and deterrence as the U.S. navigates its role in the ongoing conflict.
