Leaders | Ron DeReckless

Ron DeSantis emboldens Vladimir Putin

Florida’s governor has blundered by saying Ukraine is not a vital American interest

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis makes his first trip to the early voting state of Iowa for a book tour stop at the Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Iowa, U.S. March 10, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Image: Reuters

PEOPLE SPOUT all sorts of nonsense to get themselves elected. Most of the time it does not matter, because memories fade and circumstances change. This week, however, Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida and the most plausible challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, declared that Ukraine is not one of America’s “vital national interests”. He was not only wrong, but his words have done lasting damage to Ukraine, America’s allies and America itself.

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Ron DeReckless”

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