Pompeo Issues Warning To Trump

Odesa, Ukraine – As Russian missiles continue to rain down from the illegally occupied Crimean Peninsula, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a bold warning to President Donald Trump: Do not recognize Russia’s unlawful claim to Ukrainian territory.

Speaking at the Black Sea Security Forum in the war-scarred port city of Odesa, Pompeo called any U.S. recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea “a mistake of epic proportions.” His statement comes at a time when peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are being quietly weighed inside the Trump administration, with some considering concessions to bring an end to the war.

Pompeo: American Values Are Non-Negotiable

“I understand the military reality, but surrendering American principles for short-term peace would send the wrong message to our adversaries,” Pompeo said. “We cannot, under any circumstance, signal to the world that force can redraw borders.”

Pompeo, who led the State Department during Trump’s first term, reaffirmed his commitment to the 2018 Crimea Declaration, which rejected any recognition of Moscow’s claims to territory seized in violation of international law.

Trump Faces Pressure, but Holds the Cards

While President Trump has long sought a resolution to the Russia–Ukraine war, he has also made clear that Vladimir Putin’s escalation — particularly recent aerial attacks on Ukraine — cannot go unanswered.

After Russia launched its largest airstrike in months on May 24–25, President Trump blasted the Kremlin on Truth Social, saying Putin is “playing with fire.” Just days earlier, missiles launched from Crimea struck Odesa, killing two civilians and wounding seven.

This underscores the urgency behind Pompeo’s message — and the high stakes for America’s role on the world stage.

Crimea and the Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake

Russia has now occupied approximately 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. While some within foreign policy circles suggest a ceasefire without reclaiming all lost territory, Ukraine and key conservative voices like Pompeo insist that giving legitimacy to Moscow’s land grab would set a dangerous global precedent.

“This is bigger than Ukraine,” Pompeo said. “It’s about whether America still stands for freedom, sovereignty, and strength.”

Republican Divide: Pompeo Calls Out the GOP

Pompeo didn’t shy away from criticizing elements of his own party, saying, “There are Republicans who’ve disappointed me deeply — bending to the winds of appeasement rather than standing up for American interests.”

Yet he praised Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close Trump ally and consistent Ukraine supporter, as someone still fighting for what’s right. Graham was recently in Kyiv with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), signaling rare bipartisan resolve to keep Russia in check.

A Defining Moment for Trump’s Foreign Policy Legacy

Although no longer part of Trump’s inner circle, Pompeo remains a respected figure among national security conservatives and continues to shape opinion in Washington. He stressed that upholding the Crimea Declaration isn’t just about Ukraine — it’s about preventing future wars.

“We can’t walk away. Not now. Not ever,” Pompeo concluded.

As the 2024 election season heats up, President Trump’s decisions on Ukraine, Putin, and global diplomacy could define his second-term legacy.