KYIV, UKRAINE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham visited Ukraine on Friday, reaffirming his support for the country and its fight against Russian aggression.
Graham joined a bipartisan delegation in Kiev to make clear that he supports US financial aid and defense supplies to Ukraine.
“Kevin McCarthy said no blank checks,” Graham said during the press event. “It makes sense to me; we are not asking for a blank check. I am asking for military assistance to achieve the goal of expelling the Russian invaders from Ukraine. If Putin gets away with it, Taiwan will go.”
Graham is concerned about the long-term impact of the Russian invasion on the world order and, ultimately, on the United States.
“If Putin succeeds in Ukraine and is not prosecuted under international law, everything we said after World War II becomes a joke. It will continue beyond the borders of Ukraine.”
Graham wants the United States to send more tanks, especially after German officials, according to multiple reports, said they would send their tanks only if America did the same.
“Time is of the essence. Ukrainians need tanks, they need long-range artillery, they need more patriots (missiles), and they need this to drive the Russians out of Ukraine. And when they win, we win. If they fail, the world will fail.”
Graham said he will continue to work to get Russia on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism
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UNC Charlotte political science professor Eric Heberlig believes that Graham’s trip to Ukraine is not politically motivated, but related to his interest in foreign policy and defense.
“I think, particularly on military issues, he started his career in military service in military justice, essentially,” Heberlig said. “So he was always interested and always distinguished himself as a defense expert. So it’s not that Graham is there purely for domestic political purposes.”
On Friday evening, Graham met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. It is unclear when he will return to the United States.
Senator Graham met with the President of Ukraine in Kyiv; urges the US to continue supporting Ukraine
Source link Senator Graham met with the President of Ukraine in Kyiv; urges the US to continue supporting Ukraine