Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after receiving a classified briefing from Department of Defense officials on Russia’s military buildup and possible invasion of Ukraine:
“Today’s briefing was classified and while I cannot comment on the specifics of what we learned, as I said in my floor speech last month, Russia’s build-up along Ukraine’s borders—for the third time this year—is far different than before because it looks like Putin is preparing to actually invade Ukraine. Our intelligence community has publicly warned that Russia could invade Ukraine as early as this winter—but so far the Biden administration has taken no real action to deter further aggression or support Ukraine’s defenses.
“Instead, on this morning’s video call with Putin, President Biden smiled and waved at Putin like he’s an old friend—but didn’t say anything about meaningful consequences for their aggressive behavior. Sanctioning Russia over this reckless behavior is important, but it is not enough.
“When Putin the opportunist complains about provocation, we need to remember what actually ‘provoked’ Putin to invade and annex Crimea in 2014: It was not what we did, but what we didn’t do.
“Just as I led the charge for sending lethal military assistance through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, I urge President Biden to deliver additional emergency military aid that will make Putin think twice about invading Ukraine, stop bullying his neighbors and quit believing he can act without consequences.
“This should include anti-air, anti-tank and counter-artillery weapons, as well as cyber capabilities, information operations, and more intelligence sharing with our allies and partners so they can contribute as well. President Biden is about three months too late on sending this aid, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.”