[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 167 (Wednesday, November 13, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6545-S6546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Ukraine

  Mr. WELCH. Madam President, the United States must continue to 
support the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend their country 
from Russia's invasion. The support provided by the United States has 
been indispensable in thwarting Russia's advances, but Ukraine needs 
continued assurances today--and tomorrow--that this support will 
continue.
  There will be policy shifts in the next Congress and with the next 
administration, but we can't abandon our fundamental support for 
Ukraine. Doing so would be existential for the Ukrainian people, 
dangerous for Europe, and dangerous for the United States.
  Allowing a large country to invade its smaller, neighboring country 
with impunity clears a path for authoritarian leaders with similar 
aspirations, and it sends the message that these actions are 
acceptable. Left unchecked, these violent actions threaten America's 
partners and allies.
  We are at an inflection point. The President-elect has praised 
Vladimir Putin, the man waging an unjust war against Ukraine, for being 
a strong leader. He called him a ``genius'' and ``savvy'' and said:

       I got along with him great. He liked me. I liked him.

  I struggle to find common ground or agreement with someone who gets 
along with one of America's most ruthless adversaries. But I hope we 
can all agree that America's security is inseparable from the security 
of Europe. Republicans and Democrats alike have always recognized that, 
and I want to pay tribute to many of my Republican colleagues for their 
stalwart continuation of support for Ukraine to defend itself.
  We must all stand up against a brutal authoritarian who has sparked a 
war that has killed and wounded 1 million people and displaced millions 
more, killed dissidents, stolen children, and imprisoned journalists, 
civil rights advocates, and political opponents.
  If the United States were to withdraw our support from Ukraine, the 
consequences would be severe and exactly what Russia wants.
  The Ukrainian people are doing their part. They are fighting to 
defend their territory and Ukraine's sovereignty with every ounce of 
strength, in every part of Ukraine. And they have fought back against 
Russian aggression since 2014, when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea.
  The Ukrainian people have been steadfast and resilient in protecting 
their land, their culture, and their heritage. But Ukraine isn't only 
fighting. They are also reforming and strengthening their country 
there. Since 2014, Ukraine has adopted anti-corruption reforms and 
continues to advance its efforts, including strengthening Ukraine's 
Constitutional Court and judicial reforms and cracking down on 
unauthorized trade. To date--this is really good news--there have been 
no credible allegations of corruption associated with international 
donor support.
  And, in the midst of this brutal war, Ukraine's economy is 
tenaciously strong. Despite the war, Ukraine's GDP growth is reportedly 
up 5 percent from last year. Since September, more than 60 million tons 
of grain and steel have been sent to the global market through the 
Black Sea.
  The World Bank and others are developing investment plans to rebuild 
energy, manufacturing, and agricultural infrastructure--a 
reconstruction for Ukraine that will cost nearly $500 billion.
  We must be firm in our military, economic, and humanitarian 
assistance for Ukraine and equally unequivocal in imposing consequences 
for Russia's aggression.
  United States, European, and global support for Ukraine must 
continue. As Penny Pritzker, former Special Representative for 
Ukraine's Economic Recovery at the Department of State and former 
Secretary of Commerce under President Obama, has said, ``military 
assistance alone is not enough. We must match a hardened security 
umbrella with a comprehensive economic recovery framework.''
  I could not agree more. Putin has brought war back to Europe. Putin's 
imperialist invasion has brought back memories of World War II. If the 
United States had not stayed the course to defend Europe against the 
Nazis, our world would look very much different today.
  The world needs a multilateral court to prosecute the crime of 
aggression. Sanctions must continue, and the international community 
must seek reparation and compensation for the victims of Putin's 
violence, the return of Ukrainian children to their homes and families, 
and the proper registration of damage that has been caused by Russia's 
aggression against Ukraine.
  We should also give Ukraine the flexibility it needs to use U.S.-
provided weapons effectively against Russian military targets. Many 
European countries have already done so, and it would empower Ukraine 
to blunt the Russian attack and put Russian forces on the defensive.
  Madam President, Putin's plan to isolate and erase Ukraine has 
backfired. There are more joint security commitments between the 
European Union and Ukraine than ever before. Finland and Sweden have 
joined NATO, strengthening our defense alliance. The European Union and 
member states have increased their support for Ukraine in military 
equipment, economic and humanitarian support, refugee assistance, and 
so many other aspects of resilience and defense.
  The whole world is watching the Ukrainians fight to defend our common 
values, our fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. The world is 
also watching us. We are leaders, and we must remain leaders. We are 
not naive to the challenges ahead for Ukraine, but if we walk away now, 
we may seal Ukraine's fate.
  I yield the floor.

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