Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, announced on Sunday that shipments of long-range missiles to Ukraine are set to begin next week, pending President Biden’s signature on the foreign aid bill.
Speaking on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” Warner emphasized the urgency of providing support to Ukraine, stating that the morale of Ukrainian forces has been undermined due to shortages of essential supplies, such as ammunition and artillery shells.
He underscored the importance of equipping Ukrainian forces adequately to bolster their ability to defend against Russian aggression.
Mark Warner (Credits: USA Today)
According to Warner, the legislation includes provisions for providing long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, a measure aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. He expressed confidence that the Biden administration is prepared to facilitate the delivery of these missiles once the bill is signed into law.
The House recently passed a comprehensive foreign aid package, which includes allocations for Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to providing military assistance, the package includes measures to address broader national security concerns, such as potential restrictions on the TikTok app.
Warner highlighted the urgent need for congressional action, emphasizing the growing threat posed by Russia’s aggressive actions in Eastern Europe. He warned of the strategic implications of Russia’s alliances with other adversarial nations, including China, Iran, and potentially North Korea, suggesting the emergence of a new “Axis of Evil” in 2024.
Mark Warner (Credits: NBC News)
The Senate is expected to pass the foreign aid bill next week, following which the Biden administration will move forward with the delivery of military assistance to Ukraine.
Warner’s remarks underscore the bipartisan recognition of the importance of supporting Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and the broader imperative of safeguarding U.S. national security interests evolving geopolitical challenges.
