After visit to Ukraine, US Senate Majority Leader declares crucial moment in history
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (photo: Getty Images)
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said it was necessary to provide more assistance to Ukraine and promised not to "abandon" the European ally.
Upon his return from Ukraine to the United States, Schumer said that this year is a "crucial moment in the history of the world," adding that the loss of Ukraine to Russia would also be "devastating in consequences for the United States."
"This is a turning point, an inflection point as to the United States’ ability to project itself — our strengths, our powers, our abilities — in the world," he said.
He recalled that during his visit to Ukraine, he told Ukrainians that America would not abandon them. At the same time, Schumer noted that it is necessary to increase assistance to Ukraine, in particular, artillery shells and weapons to destroy Russian supply networks, as well as more anti-aircraft weapons.
"The Russians can stand further back, hit the Ukrainians, and the Ukrainians can't hit them back," he said.
Schumer also noted that Russian troops can fire their artillery for much longer than Ukrainian artillery can fire back.
Blocking aid in the United States
On February 13, the U.S. Senate approved a bill to provide $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. In particular, more than $60 billion is provided for Ukraine.
In order for the bill to come into force, it still needs to be approved by the US House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden.
House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the initiative. In turn, President Joe Biden called on the House of Representatives to urgently approve the bill.
However, the US House of Representatives adjourned until February 28, thus postponing consideration of the aid for Ukraine.
