Risch Joins Ernst, Romney, Colleagues in Calling for Biden, NATO Allies to Expedite Aircraft and Defense Systems to Ukraine

In a letter to President Biden, 42 Republican senators write, “…we strongly disagree with the Defense Department's decision to delay and deny Poland the option to transfer fighter jets to Ukraine.” 

WASHINGTON – Following the Defense Department’s decision to reject Poland’s plans to provide MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and 39 colleagues in calling on President Biden to work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of aircraft and air defense systems, as well as additional support capabilities, to Ukraine.

In a letter to the president, the members write, “We urge your Administration to work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of urgently-needed airpower, air defense systems, and other combat and support capabilities from the United States, NATO allies, and other European partners to Ukraine.”

They continue , “While we commend the lethal aid that your Administration has sent to Ukraine thus far, we strongly disagree with your decision to delay and deny Poland the option to transfer fighter jets to Ukraine. Your Administration champions the $1 billion in defense articles provided to Ukraine over the past 13 months and has definitively stated there are no restrictions in your current suite of authorities to adequately respond to Russia's lawless and bloody invasion of Ukraine.”

They conclude , “We implore you to act without delay to provide urgently needed airpower that will bolster the ability of the Ukrainian armed forces to defend their country and help save civilian lives.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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