Mike Pence Says He 'Stood Toe to Toe' With Vladimir Putin When They Met

Former Vice President Mike Pence has said that during his time in the White House he stood "toe to toe" with Vladimir Putin, and now insists that "American strength" is needed to help defeat the Russian leader following the invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking at a Young America's Foundation at the University of Virginia on Tuesday, Pence also praised Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky for his "courageous" and "inspiring" stand.

"I've also met Vladimir Putin. I stood toe to toe with him and I've told him things he didn't want to hear," Pence said.

"Let me tell all of you. Putin only understands strength and America must meet this moment with American strength.

"That means more military aid to the brave and courageous Ukrainian military. That means more economic sanctions on Putin and his regime.

"And let me also say it means more humanitarian aid," Pence added before urging those in attendance to donate to causes in order to help the people of Ukraine as the war continues.

Pence, who roused speculation of a 2024 presidential bid by unveiling a policy agenda last month, also hit out at President Joe Biden's foreign policies and stature of the world stage, suggesting U.S. adversaries have been emboldened by the "disastrous" withdrawal from Afghanistan last August.

"After years of quiet, North Korea are firing missiles again. China seems to act in a more menacing way in the Taiwan Straits every single day. Iran threatens to restart its nuclear program," Pence said. "And in Europe, Russia launched an unconscionable war of aggression against the brave people of Ukraine."

Pence added that when he visited Ukraine with his wife Karen last month, he was shocked at the "heartless and mindless violence" being inflicted on its people.

"President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people are inspiring the world and we must continue to stand with them in defense of their freedom," Pence added, prompting applause from the crowd.

The remarks from Pence comes after Biden for the first time referred to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "genocide," during a speech in Iowa on Tuesday.

Zelensky hailed the remark as "true words of a true leader."

"Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil. We are grateful for U.S. assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities," Zelensky added.