McConnell on Continuing U.S. Lethal Assistance to Ukraine

McConnell on Continuing U.S. Lethal Assistance to Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a statement released today, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) underscored the strategic necessity of robust U.S. support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of continuing and expanding lethal assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked aggression.

“Today, the strategic incoherence of underfunding our military and restricting lethal assistance to partners like Ukraine is measured in the avoidable erosion of American credibility with allies and the mounting deaths of innocents,” McConnell said.

“I’m glad that President Trump wants to resume deliveries of lethal capabilities to Ukraine. America’s policy of providing lethal support to Ukraine began during his first term, and likely helped deter earlier Russian escalation.

This time, the President will need to reject calls from the isolationists and restrainers within his Administration to limit these deliveries to defensive weapons. And he should disregard those at DoD who invoke munitions shortages to block aid while refusing to invest seriously in expanding munitions production. The self-indulgent policymaking of restrainers – from Ukraine to AUKUS – has so often required the President to clean up his staff’s messes. And the budget OMB sent to Congress does not put America on a path to peace through strength.”

Senator McConnell has been a steadfast advocate for supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom and sovereignty. In recognition of his principled leadership and enduring commitment to Ukraine, the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation presented him with the Star of Ukraine award, our highest honor, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation remains committed to working with leaders across the political spectrum to ensure that Ukraine has the resources it needs to prevail and that the United States continues to uphold its role as a champion of democracy and rule of law worldwide.