Shaheen: Time is of the Essence, We Must Lift Restrictions on Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range, American-Provided Weapons in Russia
**Shaheen called on the U.S. government to ease restrictions earlier this month**
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services Committees, Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation and Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group, issued the following statement following the White House’s commitment of additional security assistance to Ukraine during President Biden’s meeting with President Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. Earlier in the day, Senator Shaheen joined a bipartisan group of Senators in a meeting with Zelenskyy on Capitol Hill:
“While I welcome the Biden Administration’s announcement of additional support for Ukraine, it falls short of Ukraine’s immediate needs. Time is of the essence, and Ukraine needs the authority to use U.S.-provided long-range munitions to reach its targets in Russia that could turn the tide of the war. Right now, Iran and North Korea continue to actively resupply Russia’s military industrial base. We cannot allow Vladimir Putin—or any dictator—to dictate the terms of this unprovoked war of aggression.
“Today’s action makes clear our nation remains united behind Ukraine in its fight for freedom; however, I once again call on the Biden Administration to allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use U.S.-provided long-range capabilities. Doing so will send the message that any adversary who seeks to overturn the international rules-based order and destabilize democracies across the globe will be forcefully rebuked. I will continue doing all I can to ensure the Ukrainians have what they need in their fight for sovereignty and freedom.”
Senator Shaheen has long advocated for additional aid to Ukraine and comprehensive legislation to address our national security interests. Earlier this year, Shaheen penned an editorial in the Boston Globe, urging her colleagues to continue to supply Ukraine with the aid they need to continue to repel Putin’s illegal invasion. In April, Shaheen spoke on the Senate floor urging action on the national security supplemental, which was passed and signed into law. She joined with her colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, which would allow the President to enter into lend-lease agreements with Ukraine to provide additional categories of military equipment to protect civilians.
On the heels of the 75th NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., Senator Shaheen led a delegation to London to meet with top U.S. military officials charged with direct oversight over U.S. security assistance, training and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The group discussed the capabilities the Ukrainians need to reach targets and continue training their soldiers on advanced U.S. and allied equipment.
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