Senate Minority Leader continues to advocate for including aid for Ukraine in the national security supplemental. During an event in Louisville, Kentucky, McConnell introduced Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova.
At the same time, newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson plans to advance a bill that only provides aid for Israel, indicating a division among senior members of the Republican Party regarding support for Ukraine.
McConnell emphasized the need for prompt action to prevent further loss of life and impose consequences on tyrants who have terrorized Ukraine and Israel. He urged the Senate to produce supplemental assistance to restore security and deter adversaries.
He also drew parallels between aggression against Ukraine and Israel, referring to them as an “axis of evil” along with China, Russia, and Iran. McConnell stressed that supporting Ukraine is not just a test for the country but also for the United States and the free world, stating, “Help Ukraine win the war.”
Last week, Johnson expressed support for Ukraine aid but stated the need for “conditions” on it. He vowed to move forward with a $14.5 billion aid package for Israel when the House reconvenes, separate from the Ukraine aid package.
Contrary to some members of his own party who oppose further aid for Ukraine, McConnell pushed back and argued that supporting Ukraine does not come at the expense of other priorities. He warned that if Russia succeeds, Putin’s ambitions could extend into NATO, posing a greater threat to the US trans-Atlantic alliance and increasing the risk of war.
CNN’s Melanie Zanona and Haley Talbot contributed to this report.
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