GOP senators push back on Ron DeSantis over Ukraine - CBS News

Ron DeSantis of Florida declaring that the United States' continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia is not a "vital" national interest.

DeSantis, who is widely expected to run for president in 2024, made the comments on Monday in response to a questionnaire from Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

"While the U.S. has many vital national interests — securing our borders, addressing the crisis of readiness within our military, achieving energy security and independence, and checking the economic, cultural, and military power of the Chinese Community Party — becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them," DeSantis' statement said.

Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota said the perspective was a "concern," but added that access to classified briefings could change things.

"Any one of the individuals who has an interest in working as the next president of the United States really needs to get a full briefing before they decide to make up their minds on this particular issue."

DeSantis' stance aligns him with former President Donald Trump and puts him at odds with other top Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has said he is supportive of continued military and financial aid to Ukraine.