Senator Collins Meets with Ukrainian Military Delegation
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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins met with Ukrainian military members and civic leaders to discuss the ongoing war with Russia. The all-female delegation expressed gratitude for the United States’ support of Ukraine’s defense and requested additional assistance.
Senator Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations and Intelligence Committees, has forcefully condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian sovereignty and has voted in support of robust military and humanitarian aid. Earlier this year, she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
“It was fascinating and extremely moving to hear the firsthand accounts of these brave women who are serving their country and protecting their families, homes, and communities from Putin’s brutal invasion,” said Senator Collins. “I also appreciate knowing their perspective from the front lines about what is needed to ensure that Ukraine can continue to fight against Russia. The recent advances in the eastern part of the country demonstrate the effectiveness of the Ukrainian military when it receives the proper intelligence and equipment. This meeting further strengthened my resolve to continue to ensure the Ukrainians have the tools they need to defend their sovereignty, reclaim their territory, and pressure Putin to bring an end to his terrible war.”
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In March, Senator Collins joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Poland and Germany, where she met with NATO leaders, Ukrainian refugees, and U.S. servicemembers for a first-hand look at the humanitarian crisis and America’s efforts to support Ukrainians. In May, she traveled to Kyiv and had a two-hour meeting with Ukraine President Zelensky. She also traveled to Sweden and Finland to convey the strong support they would receive to join NATO, and she voted in support of ratifying their accession to this critical defensive military alliance.
In June, Senator Collins joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues in urging the Administration to increase sanctions on enablers of Vladimir Putin’s regime amidst its unprovoked and illegal war in Ukraine. In May, Senator Collins strongly supported passage of a $40 billion military and humanitarian assistance package for Ukraine. Also in May, President Biden signed into law the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, legislation Senator Collins co-sponsored that authorizes the President to enter into lend-lease agreements with Ukraine to provide military equipment to protect civilians.
Before Russia began its attacks, Senator Collins co-sponsored a resolution supporting the American partner in the face of Russian aggression and called for maximum intelligence sharing with Ukrainian officials.
