LOUISVILLE, Ky. — 20 months since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the U.S. Senate's top Republican is sharpening his tone regarding America's role in ensuring the latter is the victor.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who's made his call for continued financial support for Ukraine more public in recent months, visited the University of Louisville's campus Monday as part of his push for more aid sent to the beleaguered country.
McConnell, joined alongside Ukraine Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova, stressed that the defense against Russia has direct implications to America's national security.
"The path toward greater security for all of us is simple -- help Ukraine win the war," McConnell said.
McConnell and other D.C. Republicans face a Congress divided over how much money they're willing to provide to Ukraine's military efforts against the Kremlin. He insists this is about looking toward the future and other adversaries that could pose a risk to the U.S.
"It's clear to me that the threats facing America's friends today are facing us as well," the Senate Republican Leader said. "This is not solely about helping Ukraine, it's also about getting us ready for the bigger challenges we have ahead out in Asia. This is not just a test for Ukraine, it's a test for the United States and the free world."
On Monday, McConnell spoke at his alma mater in front of UofL President Kim Schatzel, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, UofL students and anyone else watching.
Ambassador Markarova, who presented Schatzel with a Ukrainian flag signed by their country's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said continued funding for Ukraine is critical to avoid emboldening efforts by attackers.
"If after everything we have endured during these difficult 20 months -- including the generous support of the American people -- if after all of that, we don't stay the course or we don't win, what message does it send to aggressive, terroristic Russia or Iran or China?" Markarova said.
U.S. President Joe Biden has proposed an emergency funding request to Congress, including more than $60 billion in aid for Ukraine's defense. So far though, the House and its newly-elected Speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson, have only announced a vote this week for a bill solely providing dollars to Israel -- which Johnson has made clear is his first priority.
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