Assistance to Ukraine was one of the topics at the debate between the US Republican presidential candidates

The first debate among the Republican presidential candidates took place in the United States. The most prominent participant was a newcomer to politics, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

The Guardian writes about it.

"He held strongly and boldly to the far right on every issue on stage. He was the centre of attention," the report says.

Former President Donald Trump is still leading the polls despite not even taking part in the debate. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is in second place.

The debate was also attended by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

More than an hour was devoted to discussions about Donald Trump, the last election and the allegations against him.

Most of the participants said they would support Trump even if he was convicted.

Vivek Ramaswamy promised to pardon Donald Trump if he had the opportunity.

Chris Christie objected to Ramaswamy's wish and said that despite disagreeing with the charges against the former US president, "Trump's behaviour is not appropriate for the office of president of the United States".

Ramaswamy was the only one who did not support Mike Pence's decision to reject Trump's request to stop certifying Biden as the winner on January 6, 2020.

The candidates also debated the issue of a national abortion ban. 

Nikki Haley called for compromise solutions, while Mike Pence called such a call "the opposite of leadership".

Among other things, they discussed assistance to Ukraine.

Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley had a dispute over support for Ukraine. Ramaswamy was the only one who opposed the aid and called increasing military and other support for Ukraine a "disastrous approach".

In response, Haley said that Ramaswamy had no foreign policy experience. Among the candidates, besides Haley, Mike Pence and Chris Christie are also the most supportive of Ukraine.

The debate also focused on the son of US President Hunter Biden, teachers' unions, George Soros' funding of district attorneys, the course "critical racial theory in schools", and more. 

The debate took place on August 23 in Milwaukee, USA. The US presidential election will be held in November 2024.