US Senators Blumenthal and Graham endorse retired NATO F-16 pilots for Ukraine’s Air Force
Two US Senators call on the Biden Administration to lift restrictions on using US-supplied weapons in Russia, and endorse enlisting retired NATO F-16 pilots for Ukraine's Air Forc
Two US Senators, Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Republican Lindsey Graham, completed their sixth visit to Kyiv on 12 August 2024, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other government officials. The senators expressed optimism about Ukraine’s military efforts, particularly praising the country’s offensive in Kursk Oblast of Russia as “bold and brilliant,” as per Richard Blumenthal’s press release.
Lawmakers stressed the need for bipartisan support for Ukraine, pledging more military aid in 2024, and urged NATO to invite Ukraine to join this year, calling it “making real what is inevitable.” President Zelensky and the senators discussed a strategic agreement on Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, crucial for the US economy. The senators emphasized that the deal would reduce reliance on “foreign adversaries” – i.e. China – for resources like lithium and titanium.
Blumenthal and Graham announced plans to introduce the Stand With Ukraine Act when the Senate reconvenes in September. This legislation aims to codify the bilateral security agreement reached between the Biden Administration and Zelenskyy’s government in July 2024.
The senators also called on the Biden Administration to lift restrictions on US-provided weapons to enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian forces. Additionally, they voiced support for Zelenskyy’s proposal to enlist retired NATO F-16 fighter pilots to bolster Ukraine’s Air Force.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office said that during their meeting, the Ukrainian President emphasized the importance of receiving military and technical assistance from partners, including air defense systems and missiles.
Related:
- Ukraine receives $3.9 billion grant from the US for budget support
- Ukraine’s air defense to reach new heights with F-16 fighter jets, says US expert
- Ex-NATO representative warns West lacks strategy to end Russia-Ukraine war, support insufficient
- US sends cutting-edge AIM-9X air-to-air missiles for Ukraine’s new F-16 fighters
- The Economist: Limited F-16 numbers in Ukraine hinder immediate effect on battlefield
- Ukraine receives F-16 fighter jets with early missile warning systems
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