WASHINGTON () Former Vice President Mike Pence stated on Thursday that Congress should enact strict secondary sanctions on Russia, thereby reinforcing President Donald Trump’s diplomatic initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

Pence warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin “only understands strength.”

In an interview on “The Hill on ,” Pence commended Trump for engaging in peace talks with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, yet expressed doubts regarding Putin’s actual motives.

“I really do believe at his core, Putin doesn’t want peace. He wants Ukraine,” Pence told . “Putin will not be stopped until he is stopped.”

Pence urged the U.S. Senate to deliver legislation to Trump that would impose secondary sanctions on Russia, providing the president with extra bargaining power during negotiations.

“Until we make it clear to Vladimir Putin that severe repercussions await his country and economy unless he participates earnestly in the peace process, I’m quite doubtful that any progress will occur,” Pence remarked.

The former vice president credited Trump’s recent decision to renew military support to Ukraine as “vitally important.”

Pence supports Trump’s DC crime crackdown, National Guard use

Pence also strongly backed Trump’s deployment of federal resources to combat crime in Washington, D.C., including the involvement of National Guard troops to aid local law enforcement.

“If Washington, D.C., were classified as a state, it would possess the highest homicide rate in the nation,” Pence stated, justifying Trump’s exercise of authority under the Home Rule Act.

He indicated support for similar federal intervention in other cities, saying Americans would be grateful to see the president provide resources to state and local law enforcement where necessary.

Pence criticizes tariffs as taxes on American consumers, businesses

The former vice president expressed reservations about the administration’s tariff policies, calling tariffs “taxes” that burden American businesses and consumers.

“American businesses and American consumers pay American tariffs,” Pence said.

He said the administration had collected $150 billion more in tariff revenue compared to the same period under the Biden administration.

Pence advocated for targeted toughness on China while supporting free trade with allied nations.

Pence says he focuses on principles over political successors

When asked about the future of conservative politics and potential successors like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pence emphasized policy over personalities.

“I’m focusing more at this time in my life, not on who will be next, but what will be next in the Republican Party,” Pence said.

He outlined his vision for conservatism centered on strong national defense, limited government, lower taxes, traditional moral values and opposition to abortion rights, principles he said have defined the Republican Party for 50 years.