[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 16, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                UKRAINE

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise to bring attention to the need 
to support the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's invasion. Over 
the weekend, I took part in a Senate delegation to Poland alongside my 
colleagues Senator Rob Portman, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Senator 
Roger Wicker. We met with Ukrainian refugees--women, children, 
grandparents--some who were carrying their whole lives on their backs.
  Three weeks ago, Ukrainians were thinking about their jobs, their 
plans, and their dreams. Now, so much of that is in shambles. Women 
have been figuring out how to get their older parents and young 
children to safety across the border while their brothers and husbands 
take up arms. The most heartbreaking conversations I had were with 
children who didn't know if they had a future.
  Seeing the cost of this invasion up close has only strengthened my 
resolve to stand with Ukraine, both with humanitarian aid for refugees 
and military support. With advanced weapons from the United States and 
allies, Ukraine's Territorial Defense has been more effective in 
stifling Russia's invasion than most imagined. Vladimir Putin thought 
he would be greeted with rose petals--instead it was Molotov cocktails. 
And 21 days later, Kyiv still stands.
  I was proud to join the bipartisan Senate majority in allocating 
$13.6 billion for aid to Ukraine, but more support is needed. Over the 
past few weeks, Russian aircraft have been behind brutal assaults on 
residential neighborhoods, religious institutions, and hospitals in 
Ukraine. Ukraine needs more air defense support. Drones, Stingers, and 
Javelins have proven to be highly effective in taking down Russian 
aircraft and tanks, so we must continue to provide that critical 
weaponry and more.
  In the face of this devastation, Poland has shown that it is a 
country with a big heart, taking in more than 1.7 million Ukrainian 
refugees. For perspective, Poland is a country of 38 million. Since 
they have opened their doors, the country's population has grown by 
over 4 percent. In Warsaw alone, the population has increased by 11 
percent. Poles are meeting refugees at the border and welcoming them 
into their communities--even into their own homes.
  The Polish people don't have to imagine what it is like to live 
through a full-scale invasion. Their history is marked by invasions by 
Prussia, the Habsburgs, the Nazis, and yes, Russia. Poland is also well 
aware of its 332-mile border with Ukraine. Last week, Russian missiles 
struck 15 miles from Poland's border. The Polish border guards I spoke 
with said they could literally feel the earth shake. As Putin's war 
inches westward, we must affirm our commitment to our NATO ally from a 
military and humanitarian standpoint.
  During our trip, Senator Portman, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Wicker, 
and I had the honor of meeting with the 82nd Airborne. They briefed us 
on everything that is being done to help Ukrainian refugees, as well as 
fighters on the front lines. I also met with Minnesota troops, and I 
was inspired by their character and determination. It was clear that 
they understood the patriotic value of their service. I pray for their 
safety as they continue their mission in the region.
  Across the Atlantic in Ukraine, we are all seeing how precious 
democracy truly is. Putin has shown his true colors. But you know what 
else? The people of Ukraine have shown their true colors--in bright 
blue and yellow--they are showing the world what true courage is all 
about. We must continue to stand with them in their fight.

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