Dear Neighbor,

I've just returned from a congressional delegation to Ukraine led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. During that trip, we met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his national security team for almost three hours. And I want to share some thoughts with you now that we're back.

Our discussion focused on Ukraine’s ongoing need for humanitarian aid, economic relief and military assistance as the war enters a new phase. When Russia was initially attempting to overrun the entire country, its forces were spread out and its tanks could be ambushed by Ukrainian troops. Now the Russians have consolidated in the East, hoping to encircle Ukrainian forces and increase their hold on territory seized in 2014. The fighting is more at a distance, and Ukraine has a desperate need for long-range artillery. We are providing it, but should do more.

As Chair of the Intelligence Committee, I also discussed with Zelenskyy the vital intelligence cooperation between our two countries. The Biden administration skillfully declassified intelligence about Russian plans before the outbreak of war — stripping away any pretext the Russians could later claim for the invasion and helping to unite NATO and our allies around a punishing set of sanctions. That intelligence sharing continues and it is vital to combatting Russian propaganda.

Finally, the trip underscored the enormity of the humanitarian crisis caused by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have been subjected to the most horrific war crimes, including the murder of civilians, rape of women and girls, and forced migration of children and families. And the repercussions are not confined to Ukraine. Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe and much of the world, and its inability to export its grain may cause starvation in Africa and elsewhere – this is a global food crisis in the making.

The Ukrainian people have fought valiantly to defend their homeland against one of the world’s most capable militaries. But every day the war goes on means more death and suffering. And tragically, the war won’t end until Vladimir Putin concludes he cannot conquer the Ukrainian people. We can speed that end by helping Ukraine defend itself, providing generous aid to refugees, and constricting the sanctions on Russia until it can no longer afford the war.

Ukraine is the frontline of a new struggle between freedom and oppression – and we have a vital role to play in freedom’s defense.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

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