WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) last night took to the Senate floor and called on Congressional Republicans to not abandon the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unjust invasion.  

In his remarks, Senator Welch voiced his concerns about this inflection point in United States policy and politics and how it will impact support for Ukraine, calling any abandonment of Ukraine existential for the Ukrainian people, dangerous for Europe, and dangerous for America.  

Watch the Senator’s full remarks below: 

Senator Welch also called for the U.S. to give Ukraine the flexibility necessary to use U.S.-provided weapons effectively against Russian military targets, which would empower Ukraine to blunt Russian attacks and put Russian forces on the defensive. He also called on a multilateral court to prosecute the crime of aggression, and called for reparation and compensation to the victims of Putin’s violence, as well as the continuation of sanctions against Russia. 

Key quotes from Senator Welch:  

“The support provided by the United States has been indispensable in thwarting Russia’s advances, but Ukraine needs continued assurances today—and tomorrow—that this support will continue.  

“There will be policy shifts in the next Congress and with the next Administration. But we can’t abandon our fundamental support for Ukraine. Doing so would be existential for the Ukrainian people. Dangerous for Europe. And dangerous for the United States. 

“Allowing a large country to invade its smaller, neighboring country, with impunity, clears a path for authoritarian leaders with similar aspirations and it sends the message that these actions are acceptable. Left unchecked, these violent actions threaten America’s partners and allies.” 
 

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“I struggle to find common ground or agreement with someone who gets along with one of America’s most ruthless adversaries.  

“But I hope we can all agree that America’s security is inseparable from the security of Europe. Republicans and Democrats alike have always recognized that. And I want to pay tribute to many of my Republican colleagues for their stalwart continuation of support for Ukraine to defend itself.  

“We must all stand up against a brutal authoritarian who has sparked a war that has killed and wounded one million people and displaced millions more, killed dissidents, stolen children, and imprisoned journalists, civil rights advocates, and political opponents. 

“If the U.S. were to withdraw our support from Ukraine, the consequences would be severe and exactly what Russia wants.”   

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“Putin’s plan to isolate and erase Ukraine has backfired. There are more joint security commitments between the European Union and Ukraine than ever before. Finland and Sweden have joined NATO, strengthening the defense alliance. The European Union and member states have increased their support to Ukraine in military equipment, economic, humanitarian support, refugee assistance and so many other aspects of resilience and defense. 

“The whole world is watching Ukrainians fight to defend our common values, our fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.   

“The world is also watching us. We are leaders, and we must remain leaders. We are not naive to the challenges ahead for Ukraine. But if we walk away now, we may seal Ukraine’s fate.” 

Read the Senator’s full remarks. 

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