Chair Cardin Calls for Decisive Action Amid Attempts to Undermine Ukraine’s Defense

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement following the grim milestone of 1,000 days since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine and opposing Senator Rand Paul's Joint Resolution of Disapproval (JRD) on Ukraine loan forgiveness.

"More than one thousand days of unprovoked war have exposed the true extent of Vladimir Putin's brutality. In liberated Ukrainian towns like Bucha, Irpin, and Kherson, the world uncovered evidence of torture, sexual violence, and murder of innocent civilians. Putin's vicious campaign of repression continues to target government officials, political leaders, journalists, anti-corruption activists, religious and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. It represents an ongoing and ruthless effort by the Russian president to eliminate any opposition as he seeks to wipe Ukraine from the map.

"In the face of relentless attacks and brutality, Kyiv still stands strong. This is not just Ukraine's fight - it is a global stand for freedom, one that is far from over, just like our responsibility to help them succeed. The JRD on Ukraine loan forgiveness is a direct threat to that shared mission. The United States must honor its values by standing with Ukraine and protecting our European allies.

"Earlier this year, the Senate overwhelmingly approved funding for Ukraine in a 79-to-18 vote, including provisions to cancel repayment of a loan for direct budgetary support. Requiring repayment of this support now, as Senator Paul's JRD proposes, would not only undermine Ukraine's ability to defend itself but also threaten our own national security interests.

"Abandoning those who fight for freedom is not who we are. The world will be safer, freer, and more just when Ukraine wins this war. Let this dark milestone serve as a rallying cry for action and support here at home and across the globe. Ukraine has asked for our help, and we must answer the call - it's what our values demand. Slava Ukraini."

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