Ron DeSantis, the Republican Governor of Florida, has been thrust into the national spotlight after being profiled by The Times of London and displaying a flash of temper when questioned about his policy on the war in Ukraine. The Times noted that this was an uncommon level of access to the Governor, who is rumored to be preparing for a 2024 Presidential bid.
The article reported that DeSantis was asked about his policy on the war in Ukraine, and how it would differ from President Joe Biden’s. DeSantis responded by criticizing Biden for being “weak on the world stage” and failing at deterrence. When pressed for details on how his policy would differ from Biden’s, DeSantis replied, “Perhaps you should cover some other ground? I think I’ve said enough”.
In a recent appearance on Fox News, DeSantis also criticized Biden after the President made a surprise visit to Kyiv to underline the US’ support for Ukraine in battling Russia’s unprovoked invasion. DeSantis questioned whether Russia posed a threat to NATO and said China was a greater concern.
Some Republican lawmakers on the hard right of the party are stirring opposition to the Biden administration’s Ukraine policy, saying that the President should be more focused on events at home. Former President Donald Trump and DeSantis have echoed these criticisms, but neither has spelt out in much detail how their policy would differ from Biden’s. Trump has said he would bring the countries to the negotiating table, but has not said how or what the conditions for an effective peace agreement might look like. Like other Republicans, he has called for aid to Ukraine to be cut.
Biden has pledged open-ended support for Ukraine in battling the Russian invasion, but could face obstacles in getting new aid packages through Congress amid opposition in the Republican-controlled House. It remains to be seen how DeSantis’ policy on Ukraine will differ from Biden’s, and whether or not it will be enough to win over a large portion of the electorate if he does decide to pursue a 2024 presidential bid.
