Brief debate answers on Ukraine reveal a rift among Republicans over the issue
The issue of supplying aid to Ukraine as the country remains invaded by Russia has been a major source of contention among the Republican party, even holding up budget negotiations as Congress barrels toward a government shutdown.
A few answers from the GOP candidates at the debate displayed the variety of opinion among the primary field. Christie, who shares the belief of establishment Republicans, spoke about his unrelenting support for Ukraine aid.
“That was the darkest moment in world history when the Soviet Union fell. Listen, everybody, [Putin] wants to put the old band back together, and only America can stop it,” said Christie, who noted that American leadership on the conflict could display strength in other areas of foreign policy.
“Ukraine – that's a green light to China,” Christie said. “They're all connected, Stuart. They're all connected. The Chinese are paying for the Russian war in Ukraine, the Iranians who supply more sophisticated weapons, and so are the North Koreans now as well, with the encouragement of the Chinese.
Christie bashed some of his primary challengers for their opposing views: “the naivete on the stage from some of these folks is extraordinary.”
DeSantis, like the right flank of the party, said he would not embrace continually funding the “territorial dispute.”
“It's in our interest to end this war and that's what I will do as president. We are not going to have a blank check. We will not have US troops and we're going to make the Europeans do what they need to do… Meanwhile, our own country is being invaded.”
–ABC News’ Isabella Murray
