Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
Senators will meet with Polish officials and Ukrainian refugees
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rob Portman (R-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced that they are traveling to Poland to reaffirm the U.S.’s commitment to Poland, Ukraine, and other allies in response to President Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. During their trip, the senators will meet with diplomats, military leaders, American soldiers stationed in Poland, Ukrainian refugees, and aid workers.
“I am proud to stand with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle with our friend and ally Poland,” said Klobuchar. “Poland has been a stalwart ally to Ukraine, welcoming Ukrainian refugees and providing critical resources during this unprovoked attack. We will be meeting with military and government leaders, U.S. soldiers stationed in Poland, and Ukrainian refugees and aid workers. We will make clear our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian and Polish people against Vladimir Putin.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues on this important trip to Poland,” said Portman. “The Polish people continue their unwavering support for NATO after 23 years of fighting alongside the U.S. and our allies. This bipartisan delegation will send a clear message that the U.S. is thankful for their support of Ukraine and their offer of providing fighter jets, as the people of Ukraine continues to endure brutal Russian atrocities.”
“As Putin continues his brutal, savage invasion, I’m traveling with a bipartisan group of Senators to the Ukrainian border in Poland to see first-hand the heartbreaking, exploding humanitarian crisis —and learn how America can magnify its military assistance to brave Ukrainian freedom fighters. I’ll be bringing a message of strong solidarity and support from Connecticut’s people — particularly from our Ukrainian-American community — and I’ll be learning how best we can help. I will be meeting with senior members of the Polish and American governments, the brave men and women of the 82nd Airborne Division, and relief organizations to seek greatly expanded aid to Ukraine. The Ukrainian people are inspiring the world in their bold, brave fight for freedom. I’ll continue pressing for America to provide more ammunition, Javelin and Stinger missiles, fighter airplanes, and other lethal aid. Refugees need food, shelter, and medical care. I will bring back to Connecticut an eyewitness account of how we can help offer more support,” said Blumenthal.
“Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine has threatened to plunge Europe into the deadliest conflict since 1945,” said Wicker. “Putin’s continued attack on a sovereign nation demands a strong and united response from the U.S and our NATO allies. I am glad to visit Poland as we work together to halt Putin’s advance. I also look forward to meeting with senior Polish officials to find new avenues for cooperation in supporting our brave Ukrainian friends.”
Klobuchar recently led successful efforts to urge the Biden administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainian nationals living in the U.S., ensuring that Ukrainians are not forced to return home during Russia’s unprovoked military invasion.
In February, Klobuchar highlighted the importance of U.S.-European unity and cooperation to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression at a Munich Security Conference panel discussion. She was joined by British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
In January, Klobuchar traveled to Ukraine with a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and reaffirm the U.S.’ strong bipartisan commitment to a sovereign Ukraine.
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