U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Rob Portman (R-OH) on Monday met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of their bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Ukraine and expressed solidarity with the country as it faces increased Russian aggression.
“This is a critical time in Ukraine’s history and our delegation sent a message to Russia and the people of Ukraine that the United States stands with Ukraine in response to unwarranted and unprovoked Russian aggression,” Sen. Portman said. “As a bipartisan delegation representing different parts of the country across the political spectrum, we made it clear that the cause of freedom knows no political boundary in the U.S. Congress.”
Joined by other congressional lawmakers in CODEL, including U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the senators said during their meeting that they were concerned over the buildup of Russia’s forces in and around Ukraine, and pledged to continue to support funding for Ukraine’s defense in the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Portman, Sen. Wicker, and their colleagues also discussed the need for Ukraine to continue its democratic reforms in order to position the country for membership in NATO, according to their staffs.
“Ukraine is a vital U.S. partner who is standing resolute in the face of Vladimir Putin’s shameful and illegal aggression,” Sen. Wicker said. “I appreciated the opportunity to meet with President Zelenskyy to express our strong and united support for Ukraine. It is imperative that the United States stay strong in the face of Russian aggression and stand by our friends who are fighting for freedom.”
Additionally, the senators discussed increased funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative that recently passed Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
The program will help train, equip and provide support for the Ukrainian government and armed forces in their effort to defend their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression, the senators’ staffs said.