Pence on Russia: ‘We’re watching’

Vice President Mike Pence in an interview broadcast Sunday would not say Russia is “on notice” over violating the ceasefire in Ukraine, a phrase President Trump and administration officials used last week while referring to Iran.

“We’re watching,” Pence said on ABC’s “This Week” in response to a question about Russia’s actions. “And very troubled by the increased hostilities over the past week in Eastern Ukraine.”

Pence said Trump spoke about Ukraine during a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he expects those conversations to be “ongoing.”

{mosads}“I think there’s a growing recognition in the world community that there’s a new style of leadership, not just a new leader in the White House. President Trump is bringing a very candid and direct type of leadership to the White House. And in conversations with leaders around the world, frankly, I think they all find it very refreshing,” he added.

When host George Stephanopoulos said some leaders might find those conversations “unsettling,” Pence responded:

“To the extent that we have a president who’s got broad shoulders and is willing to put the interests of the American people first and speak directly to leaders about the world about America’s interests, that may be unsettling to some. But I think it’s very encouraging to millions of Americans.”

Pence said the question of whether sanctions on Russia will remain in place as long as Moscow violates the ceasefire in Ukraine “will be answered in the months ahead.”

“It just simply all depends … on whether or not we see the kind of changes in posture by Russia,” he added.

“If we have opportunities to work together, I think the president is looking for an opportunity to begin that relationship anew. But make no mistake about it, those decisions will await action. And they’ll be very dependent on how the Russians respond in the days ahead.”