Friend, I just got back from Ukraine as part of a bipartisan delegation along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Lindsey Graham. I was yet again incredibly impressed with the unity and focused dedication I encountered at every turn on my fourth trip to this war-torn nation. Meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we listened as he passionately and bluntly sounded the alarm about what Ukraine needs to beat back Russia’s murderous invasion.

President Zelenskyy doesn’t want or need our troops. But he deeply and desperately needs the tools to win.

I’d like to share why I believe it’s more important than ever to support Ukraine’s fight for democracy and freedom against Russia’s unprovoked invasion – and I’d also like to get your feedback if you have a few moments.

America’s own national security and self-interest are at stake in Ukraine. If Putin wins in Ukraine, he’ll roll forward against other nations – NATO allies that we have a treaty obligation to defend with troops on the ground. Ukraine is at the tip of the spear, fighting our fight for independence and freedom.

That’s why I support providing Ukraine the tools it needs. President Zelenskyy needs to keep up the counteroffensive that is making solid progress in the east and south, with significant prospects of breakthroughs in the areas of Bakhmut and Tokmak.

We must also get tougher on sanctions. Russia is using drones to brutalize Ukrainian civilians and troops – and these drones are being manufactured with parts and components from companies evading sanctions. A crackdown on such violations is long overdue.

I’d like to hear if you agree. Could you please take a moment to leave me some quick feedback via my foreign policy survey?

Friend, it’s important to remember that Vladimir Putin has broken every so-called promise he’s ever made. He violated Ukrainian sovereignty when he claimed he wouldn’t. He annexed Ukrainian territory when he said he wouldn’t. He has violated and disrespected multiple treaties and agreements – including the Black Sea Grain Initiative, choosing instead to shell Ukrainian ports and grain terminals, destroying food that could have gone to emerging nations and hungry people.

That’s why I am incredulous that some extremist Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, are wavering in their support of Ukraine in their fight against Putin.

Ukraine is at a crucial moment where it cannot afford for allied support to waver. As President Zelenskyy is frank and forthcoming to say, Ukraine could not have survived without America and our allies. But his counteroffensive is far from an assured success. In the end, the only way he loses is if America pulls the plug.

If you care about the fight against Putin, can you take my brief new survey letting me know where you stand? From the American people to the full force of our government, we must stand up for Ukraine and its democracy.

Ukrainians are paying an unspeakable price, inspiring the world with courage and strength beyond words. We must match it, which is why I’ll do everything in my power to keep up our government’s support of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s violent invasion.

Thank you,

Sen. Richard Blumenthal