Graham, Blumenthal Statement on Visit to Ukraine

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) issued this statement following their visit to Ukraine. The senators met with United States and Ukraine government officials today, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"After our sixth visit to Kyiv, we are more hopeful than ever that the tide of war has turned against Putin and his cronies. Ukraine's decision to go on the offensive in the Kursk region of Russia was bold and brilliant.

"Bipartisan support for Ukraine is critical to American interests, and we will do whatever we can in 2024 to build on these successes and secure additional future military aid necessary to maintain the momentum.

"We urge NATO to issue an invitation this year to Ukraine for membership, making real what has been described as inevitable.

"President Zelensky was excited about and was committed to obtaining a strategic agreement with the U.S. regarding the more than a trillion dollars-worth of rare earth minerals owned by Ukraine and expressed a commitment to create a working group with the U.S. to make this happen.

"Expanding economic cooperation with Ukraine makes America stronger and accelerates Ukraine's economic recovery. Ukraine is blessed with significant lithium, titanium, and other rare earth minerals that are needed by the American economy. An agreement with Ukraine in this area would make the U.S. less dependent on foreign adversaries for rare earth minerals.

"In addition, we will introduce the Stand With Ukraine Act, led by Senator Blumenthal, when the Senate reconvenes in September. This bipartisan piece of legislation will codify the bilateral security agreement reached by the Biden Administration and Zelensky's government this past July. We believe this will send an important signal to the world and show that the United States continues to stand with Ukraine.

"After listening to President Zelensky, we urge the Biden Administration to lift restrictions on weapons provided by the United States so they can strike the Russian invaders more effectively.

"Additionally, President Zelensky told us both that he would be looking to supplement his Air Force by establishing a program to enlist retired NATO F-16 fighter pilots. We support this effort. Ukraine is already fielding units of freedom fighters on the ground, and this volunteer force should be replicated in the air.

"Now is the time to form a strategic partnership with Ukraine that can have tremendous economic benefits to the United States and lead to stability in Europe. Ukraine has demonstrated it has a genuine desire to join the democratic family of nations. We must not abandon them in their hour of need. We should accelerate the gains that have been achieved through dogged determination and courage."

#####

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.