WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) joined his colleagues, led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in introducing a Senate resolution urging the Biden Administration to facilitate the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG-29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine. The resolution text can be found here.
“We must do everything in our power to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against the monstrous actions of Vladimir Putin,” Senator Romney said. “That means getting them the capabilities they need—MiG-29 jets, air defense systems, anti-tank missiles, ammunition—to fight and keep their land and skies safe. America has a responsibility to defend freedom around the world, and we must not wait any longer—get Ukraine what they need now.”
“I’m urging the Senate to speak with one voice, to meet the moment,” said Senator Graham. “We’ve been talking. We have written letters. Now it’s time to take votes. If we had a vote on the resolution to supply the Ukrainian military with the MiG fighters and other air defense systems, it would be a shot in the arm to Ukrainian people and their military. It would be a blow to Putin. If we do this soon, I think it really could help the outcome of this conflict.”
The resolution:
- Encourages the President of the United States to support the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG-29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine.
- Supports continued efforts by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other countries around the globe to identify additional aviation and air defense capabilities to transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Expresses that the Senate stands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russian aggression.
The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bill Cassidy (R-MS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and James Lankford (R-OK). Â