Shaheen Applauds Biden’s Announcement of $3 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation and a senior member on the Senate Armed Serves Committee, released the following statement applauding the Biden administration for announcing a $3 billion security package from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s further invasion: 

“This $3 billion announcement marks the single largest U.S. security aid package to Ukraine since Russia’s unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine, which began exactly six months ago. This aid is particularly important amid Russia’s escalating strikes on civilian populations and infrastructure across Ukraine – especially this week as we celebrate Ukraine’s independence. Russian forces must be held accountable for their war crimes, and Ukraine deserves every resource necessary to defend its territory and protect its citizens,” said Shaheen. “This new assistance package demonstrates U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security by investing in capabilities to bolster Ukraine’s defense posture for years to come. The equipment included in this package, and the associated training of Ukrainian forces, will facilitate the continued strengthening of the Ukrainian military as they defend themselves from Putin’s aggression. The administration made clear today that the U.S.’ continued support for Ukraine is unwavering, and we’ll continue to stand firm against Putin’s tyranny.” 

Also a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, Senator Shaheen has led action in the Senate in support of Ukraine in response to Putin’s belligerence. She released a statement ahead of today’s anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the six-month mark of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine. In July, Senator Shaheen and Senator Romney introduced legislation that would require an interagency strategy toward the Black Sea region, which includes Ukraine. In March, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Shaheen that would ensure the U.S. undertakes coordinated efforts to collect and maintain evidence of war crimes and atrocities committed by Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. Recently, legislation co-led by Shaheen to speed up military assistance to Ukraine and Eastern European nations was signed into law. In February, Shaheen led a successful bipartisan effort with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to pass a resolution that conveys a renewed and overwhelmingly bipartisan message from the U.S. Senate in fierce support of Ukraine. Earlier this year, Shaheen and Portman led a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine, where they met with President Zelenskyy and members of his administration. Before the Shaheen-Portman congressional delegation visit to Ukraine in January, Shaheen led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, last June.  

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