"I think the president is looking for an opportunity to begin that relationship anew," Vice President Mike Pence said. | AP Photo Pence leaves door open to easing Russia sanctions The vice president says the decision will depend on cooperation against ISIS.

Vice President Mike Pence said President Donald Trump will decide in the coming months whether to relieve sanctions on Russia in exchange for coordinating efforts against ISIS.

Pence did commit to keeping the sanctions as long as Russia violates the cease-fire in Ukraine.


"That's a question that will be answered in the months ahead," Pence told George Stephanopoulos in an interview that aired Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "It just simply all depends."

"If we have opportunities to work together, I think the president is looking for an opportunity to begin that relationship anew," Pence said. "But, make no mistake about it, those decisions will await action. And they'll be very dependent on how the Russians respond in the days ahead."

Pence said Trump discussed Ukraine on his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Pence did not answer whether Trump expressed disapproval over Russia's conduct in Ukraine.

Pence also backed away from commitments by Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to upholding the nuclear agreement with Iran.

"The president will make that decision in the days ahead," Pence said.

On Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, Pence said he participated in the selection process but did not ask the judge whether he would overturn Roe v. Wade.

"What the president charged us to do was to find someone who had the background, the experience, the unimpeachable credentials, the character, but also just to be faithful to the Constitution as written," Pence said.

