Pence has been outspoken about his support for Ukraine, and the move sends a resounding message that he believes the U.S. should play a leading role in the country's fight against Russia.
Former Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Thursday, becoming the first Republican presidential candidate to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the campaign.
One of Zelenskyy's top advisers, Mykhailo Podolyak, said Pence "understands absolutely clearly what Russia is."
The future of U.S. support for the Ukrainian war effort is in question, and the voters Pence is trying to woo in the Republican primary aren't eager to aid the country.
And the GOP front-runner in the polls, former President Donald Trump, initially praised Putin when he invaded Ukraine, saying he was "very savvy."
Persons:
Pence, Moshchun, Irpin, —, Vladimir Putin, Wagner, group's, Mike Pence, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, Podolyak, we've, they've, it's, Ronald Reagan, Reagan, Ron DeSantis, Putin, Donald Trump, Trump
Organizations:
NBC, Ukraine, Russia, GOP, Republican, NBC News, Republicans
Locations:
—, Irpin, U.S, Ukraine, Kramatorsk, Russia, United States, Russian, Soviet Union, Florida