JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, has made clear that the US should not approach Russia as an enemy, despite being an adversary. In a series of television interviews, Vance emphasized that the language used in international diplomacy is crucial and that Russia should not be viewed as an enemy. He acknowledged that the two countries have adversarial interests, but suggested that it is counterproductive to approach Moscow as an adversary.
Vance also stated that the Trump administration would work to wind down Russia’s war in Ukraine quickly and press European members to spend more on defense. He emphasized that the Trump administration would continue to support NATO, but would lean on Europe to increase defense spending. Additionally, Vance downplayed concerns about Trump’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the language used in international diplomacy is crucial and that the US can recognize that the interests with Russia are adversarial.
Vance’s comments come at a time when the US is increasingly concerned about Russian interference in the upcoming election and its aggressive actions in Ukraine. US officials have confirmed that North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia for training before potentially being deployed in Ukraine, and Russia has ramped up a disinformation campaign aimed at sowing distrust in the results of the US election.
JD Vance (Image via Getty)
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has argued that Trump is too cozy with Putin and that his return to the White House would be calamitous for Ukraine and America’s European allies. Vance’s comments suggest that he is trying to walk a fine line between supporting Trump’s foreign policy and addressing concerns about the former president’s close relationship with Putin.
Vance’s skepticism about further sanctions against Russia is also notable, as he stated that the Biden administration’s use of sanctions has been ineffective and that the US should instead encourage its allies to be cautious. His comments have been met with criticism from some Republicans, including Liz Cheney, who has endorsed Harris and accused Trump of having a “total lack of understanding” of the importance of US allies in maintaining peace.
Vance’s comments have added another layer of complexity to the current foreign policy terrain, as the US navigates the complex relationships between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. His emphasis on the importance of language in international diplomacy and his downplaying of concerns about Trump’s relationship with Putin suggest that he is trying to tread a fine line between supporting his party’s candidate and addressing the concerns of the American public.
