Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman
Leads Letter with Senator Shaheen Asking for Administration to Support Aircraft Transfers to Ukraine from Eastern European Allies as Well as Tighten Sanctions in Lieu of Treasury Department Announcement
March 5, 2022 | Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement after a video conference call today with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
“Today’s call with President Zelenskyy was inspiring. He again proved that he is the right leader for Ukraine during this historic period. Despite the fact that each day Russia continues to escalate its attacks against Ukraine, President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people show bravery and resolve in the face of tremendous adversity.
“The urgency of the United States and its allies to support freedom for the people of Ukraine has never been greater. President Zelenskyy told us today he needs fighter planes and drones. Our Eastern European allies including Poland, Bulgaria, and Slovakia have older Soviet era aircraft such as the MiG-29 and the Su-25 that they are seeking to divest in order to purchase advanced fighters such as F-16’s. These Soviet aircraft are compatible with the Ukrainian Air Force as their pilots have the requisite training to operate them. We have been told that they are willing to donate these aircraft to the Ukrainians if they are provided assurances and a roadmap that they will be allowed to purchase advanced American aircraft in a reasonable timeframe.
“Together with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, today I am sending a letter to President Biden asking the administration to take steps immediately to ensure these transfers happen. Doing so would give Ukraine the ability to contest its skies and provide a tremendous morale boost to their military and the people of Ukraine necessary to win this war.
“In addition, I am calling on the administration to further tighten sanctions on Russian banks and the country’s oil and gas sector. The Treasury Department’s announcement yesterday that sanctions against Russia’s biggest banks, including VTB Bank, do not apply to energy transactions until June 24 is unacceptable. We must be do all we can to immediately bankrupt President Putin’s military and tightening sanctions on his energy sector is one of the most important ways to do so.”
To see Portman’s letter with Senator Shaheen, click here.
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