The only way to save Ukraine from Vladimir Putin is to send it lethal weapons, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, said Friday, lambasting President Obama’s foreign policy.
American security and honor, plus the standing of the entire western alliance, require decisive action to halt Russian aggression and territorial advances by Moscow’s separatist allies, the Senate Armed Services Committee member argued.
“The administration’s continued and shameful disregard of [Ukraine’s] pleas for help only invites additional dangerous aggression which could directly threaten the credibility of NATO and further endanger the national security interests of the United States,” Ayotte said in a statement.
Ukraine forces suffered a rout Thursday and lost the city of Debaltseve when Russian-backed forces blew past a ceasefire negotiated by Germany and France. On Friday pro-Russian forces vowed to continue ignoring the ceasefire and additional Russian tanks and artillery reportedly moved into eastern Ukraine, suggesting Russia plans an even larger land-grab.
“This week’s actions by Russian-backed separatists to seize control of Debaltseve prove that the ceasefire agreement is meaningless.” Ayotte said. “The administration must act immediately to provide defensive weapons to Ukraine and impose the harshest possible sanctions on the Kremlin.”
