[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Ukraine

  Mr. President, on Ukraine, later this week, President Biden is 
expected to send Congress another request for emergency funding to 
support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russian 
aggression.
  When the President makes his request, the Senate should be ready to 
work quickly to approve this funding. Every penny of American aid has 
been money well spent.
  This fight, in a real sense, is about tyranny versus democracy 
itself. It is a Manichaean struggle.
  It has been 2 months since Vladimir Putin began his immoral and 
savage war against the Ukrainian people. You see the pictures; it 
breaks your heart. It breaks your heart; savagery--savagery--of Mr. 
Putin killing women and children, innocent people.
  So far, though, things have gone disastrously for Russian troops as 
hopes for a quick invasion have been all but dashed. The Ukrainian 
people, forced into a war not of their choosing and having suffered 
losses of inhumane proportions, have given Putin a much tougher fight 
than he ever bargained for, than he ever imagined. Outnumbered and out-
equipped, the bravery and valiance of the Ukrainian people remain 
unbroken. Putin, meanwhile, is increasingly the most isolated leader in 
the world. Although, parenthetically, shame on the world leaders who 
are playing footsie with him, including China.
  But the Ukrainian people still need our help. Sadly, this fight seems 
far from over, and losses from the Ukrainian people have been severe.
  The United States has a moral obligation to help the Ukrainian people 
with the tools they need for as long as they need them. Again, this is 
about tyranny versus democracy itself.
  In which direction will the world turn in this, the 21st century?
  Once the President makes his request to Congress, approving 
additional aid for Ukraine will be a must. I expect both sides to work 
with swift, bipartisan cooperation to get it done.
  I also expect the Senate to move quickly on the nomination of 
President Biden's choice for our Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink. 
Ms. Brink's nomination is terrific news that comes at a critical 
moment. She is deeply experienced. She has already won bipartisan 
support in this Chamber and is very much needed as the United States 
seeks to strengthen our diplomatic ties to the war-torn nation. Ms. 
Brink's nomination will be a top priority of the Senate once she comes 
before the Chamber.