In late May 2025, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Ukraine to participate in the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, where he delivered a keynote speech emphasizing strong support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking on May 30, just days before a significant Ukrainian drone attack on Russian nuclear-capable bombers deep inside Russian territory, Pompeo underscored the importance of not recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea and other Ukrainian territories seized by force, calling such recognition “a mistake of epic proportions.” He advocated for a decisive Western stance, urging a “complete victory” over Russia and stressing that Ukraine’s fight was integral to broader European and American security interests. His remarks, which included a call for maintaining robust military aid to Kyiv, reflected his consistent position since the Russian invasion began, emphasizing the need for deterrence and imposing significant costs on Russia to counter its aggression.
 
Pompeo’s visit and rhetoric coincided with a period of heightened tension, as Ukraine executed a sophisticated drone strike on June 1, targeting Russian air bases housing nuclear-capable bombers, an operation dubbed “Spiderweb.” This attack, which reportedly caused billions in damage, occurred just one day after Pompeo’s speech, raising questions about the timing and intent of his visit. In his address, he made what some interpreted as an eerie prediction, noting that unexpected events could shift the conflict’s trajectory, much like the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989. While there is no direct evidence linking Pompeo to prior knowledge of the attack, his presence in Ukraine alongside other Western figures, including U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, fueled speculation on platforms like X about whether his visit was meant to signal or coordinate escalated Western support for Ukraine’s bold military actions. Critics on X suggested his remarks and timing might indicate deeper involvement, though such claims remain speculative and unverified.
 
During his time in Odesa, Pompeo also engaged with Ukrainian officials and civil society, reinforcing his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and its integration into Western security frameworks. He met with figures like Oleksii Goncharenko, a Ukrainian MP and forum chairman, to discuss the strategic importance of Crimea and the need for a security architecture to prevent future Russian aggression. Pompeo’s rhetoric contrasted sharply with reported Trump administration proposals to recognize Russian control over Crimea as part of ceasefire negotiations, a stance he actively opposed. His visit, framed as a defense of democratic values and national sovereignty, was seen by some as an attempt to influence both Ukrainian and Western policy at a critical juncture, though it also drew accusations of warmongering from those skeptical of escalating tensions with a nuclear-armed Russia. The juxtaposition of his hawkish statements and the subsequent Ukrainian strike underscored the delicate balance of diplomacy and military strategy in the region.