Ranking Member Risch on Ukrainian President Zelensky’s White House Visit

BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on President Biden’s meeting with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday:

“Yesterday’s meeting between President Biden and President Zelensky was long overdue. And while I welcome the meeting, I am very disappointed that the White House chose to schedule it during a period when the Senate was out of session and unable to greet our friend and partner.

“President Zelensky’s visit did result in the administration’s release of much-needed, albeit belated, military assistance for Ukraine’s fight against Russian encroachment, but the administration neglected to address the most pressing concern for Ukraine – the Russian Nord Stream 2 (NS2) pipeline. President Biden’s promise to sanction Russia if it uses NS2 to harm Ukraine rings hollow and will never be fulfilled.

“Congress will continue its efforts to stop the completion and operation of NS2 and ensure Ukraine is not threatened by this project. Punishment after the fact has not proven effective in stopping Russia’s malign activities before. Nord Stream 2 will be no different.”

###