Ron DeSantis walks back stance on Russia-Ukraine war, calls Putin a 'war criminal'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday backtracked on a comment made earlier this month calling Russia's war in Ukraine a "territorial dispute," hardening his stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the conflict.

DeSantis previously aligned himself with former President Donald Trump — and in conflict with other 2024 presidential hopefuls — on the role America's should play in Ukraine's efforts to beat back Russia's assault on the nation.

Here's what we know.

DeSantis walks back Ukraine comment

DeSantis told Fox News Host Tucker Carlson earlier this month that aiding Ukraine is not a “vital” interest for the United States, calling the war a "territorial dispute" between Russia and Ukraine.

The comments drew criticism from other Republicans and 2024 presidential candidates.

• In excerpts of an interview with Piers Morgan, set to air Thursday on Fox Nation, DeSantis said his critics misconstrued the remark. “I think it’s been mischaracterized,” he told Morgan, according to the excerpts. “Obviously, Russia invaded — that was wrong. They invaded Crimea and took that in 2014 — that was wrong.”

• DeSantis also toughened his rhetoric against Putin, calling him a “war criminal” who should be "held accountable" for his actions.

Lindsey Graham, outspoken about DeSantis' previous stance, commends change

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who was one of the most vocal GOP critics of DeSantis' previous stance, applauded DeSantis' for recanting his stance.

"The more you pay attention to what's going on in Ukraine, the more resolve you'll have to hold Putin accountable. And I applaud the governor," Graham told USA TODAY. "The first sign of leadership is to be able to adjust. And when Ron said what he did yesterday, it was, I think, based on his taking a second look at this. And it was a good day for the cause."

Where other GOP presidential hopefuls stand on Ukraine

DeSantis' earlier comments put him in line with Trump's views on the America's role in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Carlson's questionnaire.