[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 46 (Thursday, March 14, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Ukraine

  Now, Mr. President, on another entirely different matter, this week, 
Vladimir Putin himself responded to reports of weakening Western 
resolve to stand with Ukraine and of ammunition shortages on the 
frontlines.
  Here is what Putin had to say:

       It would be ridiculous for us to start negotiating with 
     Ukraine just because it's running out of ammunition.

  The chilling reality here is abundantly clear: Withholding critical 
weapons has not helped manage Putin's escalation--it has only 
emboldened him.
  The administration that hesitated and wrung its hands through the 
early days of Russian escalation actually emboldened Putin, and it 
ought to be a lesson to those who insist--without firm footing in its 
strategy or logic--that withholding lethal assistance would somehow 
hasten an acceptable negotiated settlement to the conflict.
  I have said too many times to count that America's adversaries only 
speak the language of power. But our colleagues don't have to take my 
word for it. Just take it straight from the dictator's mouth. Vladimir 
Putin is not playing for a tie. He is not headed for the negotiating 
table. He will not stop at Ukraine. He has told us, and he has shown us 
many times.
  Whether or not you are willing to take the architect of the neo-
Soviet Empire at his word, the facts remain the same: Equipping Ukraine 
for battlefield success is the surest way to help our friends resolve 
this war from a position of strength.
  Backing Ukraine as it degrades our common adversary's military also 
strengthens America's interests, and investing in our own military and 
our own defense industrial capacity at the same time just makes common 
sense. It is time for the House to take up the Senate-passed national 
security supplemental and finish the job.
  (The remarks of Mr. McConnell pertaining to the introduction of S.J. 
Res. 65 are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced 
Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')