WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today made this joint statement after President Joe Biden announced the United States and Germany will send tanks to Ukraine.
“Today’s announcement is welcome news from the Biden Administration. Evicting Putin from Ukraine is in America’s national security interest, as other bad actors are watching the outcome of this conflict.
“The German Leopard 2 tank is well suited for this fight and we are pleased to hear Germany has also authorized the sending of Leopard 2 by allied nations. The combination of American Abrams and German Leopards gives Ukraine a boost in military capability to expel the Russian invaders. It also affirms that the U.S., Germany, and other allies are ‘all in’ in helping push Russia out of Ukraine.
“The Ukrainians have exceeded every expectation when it comes to defending their homeland and utilizing the military equipment provided to their cause. We are confident the Ukrainians will utilize the Abrams and Leopard tanks in a decisive manner in upcoming battles.
On the path forward for Ukraine.
“While the tanks represent a tremendous upgrade in Ukraine’s military, we urge the Biden Administration and our allies to send more long range artillery, such as ATACMS, and fighter aircraft such as F-16s and MiG-29s. The combination of tanks, fighter aircraft, and ATACMS will help Ukraine confront the upcoming Russian offensive and go on offense in both the East and the South in an attempt to further erode Russia’s capability to continue fighting in Ukraine. Let’s give the Ukrainians everything they need to win – now.”
Meaghan McCabe, (401) 453-5294
