DeSantis aims to resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During an interview announcing his 2024 presidential bid on May 24, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his hope for a settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war.

“I want to see a settlement of this,” DeSantis said. “I do not want to see a wider war.”

While acknowledging that the situation could change by January 2025, DeSantis emphasized that he does not want the U.S. to become embroiled in a war in Ukraine.

“I do not want to see the U.S. with our troops get meshed in a war in Ukraine.”

DeSantis previously caused controversy when he referred to the conflict as a “territorial dispute.”

“While the U.S. has many vital national interests … becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them,” DeSantis said in an interview with Tucker Carlson.

DeSantis later clarified his stance, condemning Putin as “a war criminal.”

“I would not want to see American troops involved there. But the idea that I think somehow Russia was justified [in invading]—that’s nonsense,” DeSantis said.

Despite the controversy, DeSantis reiterated that he does not believe the U.S. should escalate its involvement in Ukraine.

“I still do not think we should escalate to more involvement,” DeSantis said. “I think [Putin]’s got grand ambitions. I think he’s hostile to the United States, but I think the thing that we’ve seen is he doesn’t have the conventional capability to realize his ambitions.”

As the GOP remains divided on the issue, DeSantis’ comments provide insight into his foreign policy priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• DeSantis hopes for a settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war and does not want the U.S. to become embroiled in the conflict.
• DeSantis previously referred to the conflict as a “territorial dispute” but later clarified his stance, condemning Putin as “a war criminal.”
• Despite the controversy, DeSantis remains firm in his belief that the U.S. should not escalate its involvement in Ukraine.

DeSantis’ comments shed light on his foreign policy priorities and provide insight into the ongoing debate within the GOP.