Former U
S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has openly expressed his criticism of Washington's actions regarding Ukraine and the preparations to prevent Russian aggression as early as 2014. According to him, the United States ultimately did too little to thwart the Kremlin's plans and to stop the onset of the war, which later escalated into a large-scale Russian invasion in 2022. He made this statement during the second Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, where he called for a deeper reassessment of historical mistakes and current challenges faced by Ukraine on the path to peace and stability. Mike Pompeo noted that despite all efforts and diplomatic negotiations, including those involving the U.S., it was not possible to convey the strength of deterrence to the Kremlin, which could have prevented Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In his view, Washington policymakers and diplomats failed to counter Vladimir Putin's ambitions and to draw appropriate conclusions ahead of one of the most serious crises in the region. "I regret that in 2014, and especially in 2022, we did less than we should have to preserve the prospects of deterring Russia. We lost the opportunity to keep the situation under control and to maintain long-term peace," the politician said. He emphasized that during the Minsk negotiations, in which he was directly involved, clear and significant issues were discussed—issues that remain relevant today. "The documents discussed then are almost identical to those currently under debate. This should serve as a lesson for everyone: when Putin temporarily puts down his weapons, you cannot revert to the old order of things—reliance on Russian gas and other resources that allow Russia to exert pressure and push even harder," Pompeo believes. The former Secretary of State assured that the U.S. cannot afford to leave Ukraine alone with Russian aggression. He pointed out that Western allies must remain steadfast in supporting Kyiv, recognizing the importance of backing the Ukrainian people in their fight for independence and territorial integrity. “Regarding whether I consider Ukraine a ‘pawn’ in this game—absolutely not. I do not believe any of our politicians or experts think so: sacrificing Ukraine to achieve peace is an overly simplistic and irrational idea that ignores the deep national interests of the United States,” Pompeo emphasized. He also noted that within the political establishment, there are opposing views, and some members of the Republican Party occasionally express ideas that contradict America’s national interests in this situation. “I’ve heard calls to give up and withdraw support,” he said. “But that is the wrong path. It is crucial to maintain unity, firmness, and the determination to win, because the issue of Ukrainian independence is not only about Ukraine but also a strategic matter for the security and future of the entire West.” The background of this discussion is quite complex and multifaceted. Since the occupation of Crimea and the beginning of the war in Donbas, the U.S. has tried through various diplomatic and political steps to condemn Russia’s actions and support Ukrainian sovereignty. For example, on July 25, 2018, the U.S. presidential administration adopted and published the so-called “Crimean Declaration,” which sharply condemned the annexation of a constitutive part of Ukrainian territory and emphasized the impermissibility of the forcible change of borders in other countries. It clearly underlined that Russia, by invading and disrupting the international order in Crimea, sought to undermine fundamental principles of global diplomacy and security. However, with Donald Trump’s rise to power in 2017 and his return to the White House in 2025, the stance regarding Crimea and subsequent U.S. policy became very controversial. Over recent years, reports have appeared about possible concessions, including recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, which caused outrage in Kyiv and among Ukrainian diplomats. U.S. media reported about revisions in Trump’s administration’s positions during diplomatic negotiations in Paris, where an “ultimate proposal” for conflict resolution was allegedly discussed, including the possibility of acknowledging Russian control over Crimea. This sparked sharp criticism from Ukrainian authorities and dismay among Ukrainian society. President Zelensky and his team have repeatedly expressed firm disagreement, emphasizing Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemning any attempts to legitimize Russia’s occupation. Thus, assessments of pathways to peace and criteria for safeguarding Ukrainian independence remain subjects of heated debate today. Mike Pompeo stresses that only firm and consistent international cooperation, support from allies, and clear negotiatory positions can help Ukraine uphold its rights and stop the aggressor. In his view, dismissive attitudes toward lessons of history and underestimation of the threats posed by Russia can threaten the entire global order and security. It is therefore crucial to draw lessons, unite efforts, and work persistently toward a complete victory and shaping the future region—where Ukraine remains an independent and whole state.