Mike Pence warns of 'unprincipled populists,' 'Putin apologists' in Republican Party

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence criticised those in the party who have pushed a more isolationist foreign policy, particularly when it comes to Russian aggression

Former U. S. Vice President Mike Pence has warned against the growing populist tide in the Republican Party as he admonished “Putin apologists” unwilling to stand up to the Russian leader over his assault on Ukraine.

Speaking at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington less than a month before November's midterm elections, Pence addressed the growing gulf between traditional conservatives and a new generation of populist candidates inspired, in part, by former President Donald Trump.

“Our movement cannot forsake the foundational commitment that we have to security, to limited government, to liberty and to life. But nor can we allow our movement to be led astray by the siren song of unprincipled populism that's unmoored from our oldest traditions and most cherished values," he told the think tank audience on Wednesday.

"Let me say: This movement and the party that it animates must remain the movement of a strong national defence, limited government and traditional moral values and life,” he said.

To that end, Mr. Pence criticised those in the party who have pushed a more isolationist foreign policy, particularly when it comes to Russian aggression.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law for four illegally annexed Ukrainian regions as his forces have suffered stinging battlefield defeats and renewed attacks on Ukrainian cities and vital infrastructure.

“Now, I know there is a rising chorus in our party, including some new voices to our movement, who would have us disengaged with the wider world," Mr. Pence said.