Key facts
- The Republican Party's national midterm convention in Dallas did not feature Russia's war against Ukraine as a significant part of official appearances by President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance.
- The convention focused on domestic issues and the president's agenda, with over 100 speakers.
- Republican attendees expressed diverse views on U.S. support for Ukraine, ranging from calls for more weapons to demands for an end to support.
- U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky for peace talks shortly before the convention.
- Some Republicans expressed support for sending additional air defense capabilities to Ukraine, while others prioritized domestic concerns.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed Patriot systems and a "winter package" for air defense and energy infrastructure with U.S. envoys.
The Republican Party's national midterm convention in Dallas, held September 9-10, 2026, largely sidelined the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine in its official proceedings. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance did not make the conflict a central theme of their convention appearances, which focused primarily on domestic issues and the president's agenda.
Despite the official program's focus, many Republican lawmakers, activists, and voters present at the convention shared their views on the war with the Kyiv Independent. Opinions varied widely, with some advocating for increased U.S. military aid, including Patriot air defense systems, while others called for an end to American support and a focus on domestic priorities under an "America First" approach.
This discussion occurred shortly after U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv for peace negotiations, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump himself spoke with Putin by phone on September 8, the day before the convention began. Zelensky had stated that Russia deliberately targeted airports in Kyiv ahead of the U.S. envoys' visit, though a temporary agreement for a ceasefire on capitals was suggested for September 5-8.
Some attendees, like Laura Loomer, expressed strong distrust of Russia and Vladimir Putin, while others, such as businessman Greg Gandrud, emphasized the need for peace. Conrad Mazeika of the Baltic American Freedom League urged the U.S. to send Patriot systems to Ukraine, suggesting even sharing blueprints for production. However, some, like a U.S. combat veteran identified only as Shaun, stated, "We shouldn't be supporting Ukraine," expressing trust in Trump's handling of the situation.
The convention also touched upon the issue of Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. While one Republican participant suggested protection for displaced Ukrainians, others, like April, Shaun's wife, stressed prioritizing American citizens. Pennsylvania state Senator Scott Martin acknowledged the Ukrainian community in Lancaster County but emphasized the importance of following legal immigration processes.