WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) today made this statement on providing additional weapons to Ukraine and their plans to introduce a resolution asking for a roadmap for Ukraine to become a future member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Graham and Blumenthal said:

“As Ukraine continues its counteroffensive against the Russian invaders, it is clear to us that longer-range weapons and modern fourth-generation fighter aircraft are needed to help ensure victory for Ukraine.

“The Ukrainians have continually requested long-range weapons, specifically the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).  This weapon will greatly increase the capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and enable them to reach Russian command and control centers, logistics hubs, and other sensitive military targets.  ATACMS will also enable Ukraine to neutralize Russian missile systems that continue to target innocent civilians. 

“It is also past time to provide Ukraine modern fourth-generation fighter aircraft, like F-16s, and long past time to begin training Ukrainian pilots in the United States. While the U.S. has announced that it will permit the transfer of U.S. made F-16s and that it supports joint training programs for Ukrainian pilots, the jets have yet to arrive.  We call upon the Biden administration to push for modern fourth-generation fighter aircraft, like the F-16, and appropriate pilot training in the United States to be provided to Ukraine as soon as possible.

“The Ukrainian people have fought and continue to fight with determination and grit.  Our assistance has been critical to their efforts and they have repeatedly expressed their gratitude. 

“Ukraine did not start this war.  The blame and responsibility for that falls solely and squarely on Putin’s Russia.  But today, more than 498 days since the conflict began, it is in our own national security interest to ensure that Ukraine emerges victorious. Ukrainians are fighting for their homes, their families and their way of life.  We must supply them the tools they need to liberate their homeland from the Russian invaders. 

“We plan to introduce a Sense of the Senate resolution calling for a roadmap to Ukrainian NATO membership as soon as practicable. It is only through NATO membership that Ukraine can experience true security in the face of repeated Russian aggression. The peace Ukraine wins must be permanent. Their fight has been a stand against corrupt crony authoritarianism and they have earned a secure and lasting peace within NATO.

 “Glory to Ukraine!”

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