WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today re-introduced the Ukraine Security Partnership Act to provide security assistance and strategic support to Ukraine.
“Seven years ago this week, Russia illegally seized Crimea and began a campaign of covert military support for eastern Ukrainian separatists,” said Ranking Member Risch. “Despite Russia’s blatant disregard for international laws and commitments, Ukraine has remained a steadfast partner of the United States and has pushed back against Russian malign influence in Europe. I am proud to re-introduce this legislation today to demonstrate the United States’ continued support for the people of Ukraine and the country’s democratic transition.”
“In the seven years following Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian service members have selflessly and courageously continued to defend their homeland against Russian ground, sea, and cyberspace assaults that violate Ukrainian sovereignty and security,” Chairman Menendez said. “In the interest of supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and advancing American values and foreign policy priorities, I am proud to join in reintroducing the Ukraine Security Partnership Act, a long-term security assistance package that demonstrates our bipartisan commitment to a secure Ukraine.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation to provide a comprehensive strategy to support Ukraine,” said Portman. “As the Co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus I have worked in a bipartisan manner to support Ukraine as it fights back against Russian aggression and continues to build a strong democracy free of corruption. I commend my colleagues for joining me in cosponsoring this bill.”
“As Ukraine continues to be a vital test case for our ability to help fragile democracies withstand pressure from internal and external malign forces, it’s more important than ever that we reaffirm strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine both in Congress and the White House. The Ukraine Security Assistance Partnership Act helps us get the relationship back on track by authorizing multi-year security assistance to help defend against Russian aggression, while also encouraging progress on the faltering reform agenda. This legislation helps preserve our strategic partnership while also furthering U.S. national security interests. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the both sides of the aisle to get it signed into law,” said Murphy.
“The Ukrainian people need every available resource to fight back against Russian aggression. We stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their nation,” said Barrasso. “Our bipartisan legislation provides Ukraine with key military and diplomatic resources to help secure a peaceful, democratic future for their country. The United States is committed to fully supporting our strong partner, Ukraine.”
“Preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty is critical to both U.S. national security and our world order. Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine continues, and so must U.S. support to safeguard its right to self-determination,” said Shaheen. “This bipartisan bill demonstrates the Senate’s commitment – across party lines – to stand by our partner in the region and stand up to Putin. Ukraine’s security is tied to our global stability, which is why this legislation to provide it the tools necessary to defend itself and remain committed to democratic reform is so important.”
Key provisions of the Ukraine Security Partnership Act:
Full text of this legislation can be found here.
###