Republican senators introduce resolution bolstering Ukraine’s air defense

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has joined nine colleagues in introducing a resolution encouraging the Biden administration to facilitate transferring aircraft that include MiG-29s to aid Ukraine’s air defense systems.

The resolution supports continued efforts by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other nations in identifying additional aviation and air defense capabilities to transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“I’m urging the Senate to speak with one voice, to meet the moment,” Graham said. “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 the 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 also notes the Senate supports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people in the struggle against Russian aggression, per lawmakers.

“Putin and his army continue to target innocent Ukrainian civilians, their public infrastructure, farms, hospitals, and even homes,” U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a co-sponsor of the resolution, said. “The Ukrainian people, under President Zelenskyy, have fought back valiantly, but they need more support from the United States and our NATO allies. President Biden must act immediately to transfer MiGs and air defense systems to our allies and allow the Ukrainians to protect their people and their country. Every second counts.”