Washington, DC— Today, Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Chris Stewart (UT-02), Adam Schiff (CA,28), and Mike Turner (OH-10) released the following statement calling on the administration to work with NATO to provide Ukraine with aircraft and air-defense systems:
“Last week, we sent a letter to President Biden urging the United States to continue to work with our NATO Allies to provide the Ukrainian Air Force with additional military equipment, including the aircraft essential to defending its skies. The continued and urgent need for this assistance was amplified by President Zelenskyy in his address before the Senate and House yesterday.
“Contrary to the expectations of many at the outset of the war, Ukraine continues to deny Russia the ability to operate without consequence in its sky. Despite the loss of many aircraft, Ukrainian pilots have continued to courageously provide air support for ground troops and defend Ukrainian territory while anti-aircraft systems remain operational. With the war continuing and Russia’s brutality increasing, we believe the United States must work with our NATO Allies to provide the Ukrainian Air Force with additional airpower so it can continue to defend its skies.
“Our priorities must continue to be guided by a close collaboration with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and President Zelenskyy, to identify weapons systems that can help make a tactical and strategic difference, save lives of Ukrainians who are currently under assault, and which Ukrainian forces are prepared to employ.
“Over the last year, the United States has committed to provide more than $15 billion in security and humanitarian aid to defend Ukrainian territory. We applaud the efforts made so far, but the work is not done. We acknowledge there are risks that come with every decision made in times of conflict, but as we stand united in support of Ukraine’s democracy and sovereignty, we must swiftly transfer the aircraft and air-defense systems Ukraine needs – all while ensuring we are not drawn into a direct conflict with an increasingly dangerous Russia. As stated in our letter, we are ready to assist the Administration in any way necessary to accomplish this goal.”
The original letter calling on the administration to continue working with NATO allies to provide aircraft to the Ukrainian military is linked and attached.
For more information, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.
###
Related Files
- Ukraine Aircraft Letter (7March2022).pdf (1.1 MBs)