WARSAW, Poland – U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s presidential election in Ukraine:
“Defying external threats by Russia, Ukrainians have demonstrated a commitment to determine their own future in an election that I’m hopeful can be a turning point for a new beginning in Ukraine,” said Corker. “I am encouraged that the people of Ukraine elected Petro Poroshenko in a decisive victory so he can move forward with working to unite the country. While this election is an important step, Ukraine still faces the difficult challenge of moving their economy ahead, routing out corruption and instilling strong, democratic institutions. It is important that the U.S. and Europe firmly support Ukraine as they move through this difficult process."
In April, Corker traveled to Ukraine and met with Poroshenko to discuss the future of the country. Building off of his trip to Moldova and Ukraine, Senator Corker is visiting Estonia, Romania and Poland to discuss bilateral relations with the U.S and to reemphasize the U.S. commitment to Europe following Russia’s destabilizing actions in Ukraine.
Senator Corker recently introduced legislation as a strategic response to Russian aggression in Europe that would strengthen the NATO alliance, impose tough sanctions to deter further Russian aggression, and provide support to non-NATO partners of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
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