Pence Urges Interceptor Defense for Ukraine as Capitol Hosts Grand Prix

Former Vice President Mike Pence and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday emphasized the urgent need for Ukraine to secure ballistic missile defense capabilities to counter ongoing Russian strikes. Pence noted that stopping these attacks requires Patriot or Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors to safeguard critical infrastructure as winter approaches.

Speaking after attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Ukraine, Pence shared details of his discussions with Zelensky regarding military assistance. The former vice president stressed that neutralizing Russian missile threats remains essential for the country's survival.

"Stopping those ballistic missile attacks essentially will in many ways take the last fighting tool out of Vladimir Putin’s hands," Pence told host Chris Stirewalt.

Pence added that Zelensky remains eager for the United States to supply a portion of its defensive reserves. The request comes amid severe threats to Ukrainian civilian areas and energy networks.

"And President Zelensky again reiterated to me what he said publicly, that he’s anxious to see the United States make up to 5 percent of our Patriot resources available to make it possible for Ukraine to beat back those ballistic missile attacks," Pence told Stirewalt.

While President Donald Trump granted Ukraine a license in July to co-produce Patriot missiles, analysts estimate it will take years before domestic production yields adequate quantities. Furthermore, previous reports indicate the Pentagon consumed nearly 80 percent of its THAAD interceptors and roughly half of its Patriots during the Iran war. However, Pence dismissed concerns that depleted American stockpiles are actively hurting Ukrainian defense efforts.

"I don’t see it that way, and I don’t think… the Ukrainians do either," Pence told host Dana Bash on CNN’s "State of the Union."

Zelensky confirmed he also briefed Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) in Kyiv regarding Russian missile strikes, which rendered July the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since May 2022, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission.

In Washington, semiquincentennial celebrations took center stage as First Lady Melania Trump attended the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Sunday. The 1.7-mile street race, established by executive order, looped around the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum on the National Mall.

Speaking at the event, the first lady discussed her childhood connection to motorsports and highlighted her primary initiative, Fostering the Future, which recently secured $2 million in scholarship funding from IndyCar and Fox Corporation.

"So, he introduced me to design of the cars and the mechanics, and also the speed, and I loved it, every minute of it," Trump told Fox Sports on Sunday, referring to her father's passion for automobiles.

Addressing her focus on supporting foster youth through higher education, she emphasized equal access for children leaving the care system.

"They need to have the same opportunity as other children," Trump said when asked about the initiative’s importance.

Meanwhile, political speculation mounted regarding the upcoming vacancy for White House press secretary following Karoline Leavitt's announced departure at the end of the month to rejoin the MAGA Inc. super PAC. CNN contributor Scott Jennings downplayed reports naming him as a top candidate for the role after recently meeting with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

"I don’t know what’s going to happen," Jennings said on CNN’s "State of the Union."

Jennings declined to confirm any official discussions regarding the position while offering praise for current administration officials.

"I don’t have anything to say about it this morning," Jennings added, calling Leavitt "one of the best press secretaries in the … modern era."

President Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Friday that he has received numerous applications for the position, noting that Jennings remains highly regarded among his advisors.