11.07.23

Durbin Meets with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine to Discuss Emergency National Security Supplemental

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink to discuss President Biden’s national security supplemental funding request, which includes emergency funds for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian crises.  In addition to Durbin, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) also joined.

“More than 20 months after Putin began his brutal, criminal invasion, Ukraine remains on the frontlines of democracy and the fight against tyranny.  During today’s meeting, I reiterated my support for Ukraine—and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure we provide our Ukrainian friends with the resources and equipment necessary to prevail against Russian tyranny,” said Durbin.  “For a modest investment by U.S. standards, particularly compared to the costs of Russia succeeding, we are keeping hope and freedom alive in Ukraine.”

A photo of the meeting is available here.

At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing yesterday, Durbin questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin about the supplemental request and emphasized how detrimental it would be for the NATO alliance if the United States did not continue to financially support Ukraine.  Last week, Durbin convened a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, including Co-Chairs of the Senate and House Ukraine Caucus and additional key Members, to discuss continued support. 

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