Condoleezza Rice warns GOP candidates against pulling back from Ukraine: ‘These conflicts always come home’

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned on Sunday that potential 2024 GOP presidential contenders who’ve referred to as for the U.S. to drag again its assist for Ukraine in its warfare with Russia must be cautious with their phrases.

Throughout an look on CBS’s “Face The Nation,” moderator Margaret Brennan requested Rice about current remarks from former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) criticizing the U.S. for its strong assist for Kyiv.

“It’s actually vital that whoever runs for president of the USA understands the essence of this battle, the truth that we’re defending not simply Ukrainian independence, however we’re defecting a rule- we’re defending a rules-based system that claims may doesn’t make proper, you possibly can’t simply extinguish your neighbor,” Rice instructed Brennan.

In a Fox Information interview final week, DeSantis, who has but to announce a White Home run, stated that President Biden was “neglecting” home points as he traveled to Ukraine final week to mark the one-year anniversary of the battle. 

Trump too has stated the U.S. ought to gradual its help to Ukraine and as a substitute push for negotiations talks between Kyiv and Moscow.

Nonetheless, Rice, who served within the Bush administration, stated that “it’s actually vital” for presidential candidates to know the “essence of this battle.” 

Rice stated dropping assist for Ukraine wouldn’t solely depart a darkish legacy, however might ultimately create issues nearer to dwelling. 

She stated U.S. residents would dwell in a world the place Russia had received the warfare in Ukraine realizing that their nation might’ve finished one thing to forestall this end result. 

“I don’t assume that’s going to be an excellent message for a future president to must ship,” Rice added. 

“As a result of that downside will come to his desk?” Brennan requested. 

“As a result of that downside will come to his desk — or her desk,” Rice replied, noting earlier assaults on America and its army which have pulled the U.S. into world conflicts. “And I simply say, simply bear in mind dates 1914, 1941, 2001, these conflicts all the time come dwelling.”  

Friday marked a 12 months since Russia invaded Ukraine, which has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths, tens of hundreds of army casualties on either side, and the displacement of over 8 million Ukrainian residents.

Biden traveled to Kyiv final Monday in a shock journey to indicate ongoing U.S. dedication and announce a further $500 million in U.S. help to the nation.

“I’m grateful to the U.S. for standing with Ukraine and for our robust partnership,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated of Biden’s go to. “We’re decided to work collectively to make sure Ukraine’s victory.”