Schumer: ‘We Cannot Afford To Go Down a Dark and Ominous Road Where We Abandon Ukraine’

Schumer: “Ukraine is already running low on armaments and munitions that were in large part provided by the United States. A mere month from now, the tide of the war could turn greatly in Russia’s favor, to the detriment of the West, in all probability for many years to come. If America comes up short, if we abandon Ukraine in their fight against Putin, the consequences will reverberate for years. Make no mistake, Putin will not be satisfied with merely taking Ukraine. His military influence in Europe will expand westward. The cost to NATO to hold Putin at bay will increase greatly. And if we fail, our adversaries in Iran, in North Korea, and in the Chinese Communist Party will conclude that America no longer has the resolve to defend democracy in its hour of need. They have always bet on the fact that we would lose resolve. Well, on our side, here on the Democratic side we’re not losing resolve. We want to get this done. And we know a good number of our Republican colleagues want to join us. We hope there will be enough. We cannot afford to go down a dark and ominous road where we abandon Ukraine and the consequences roll before us. The ideas — the eyes of the world are watching closely what we do and how we respond. Sadly, it’s clear there are some in this Congress and beyond who wish to prevent bipartisan action on the border and on our national security challenges. Whether they’re blinded by naked partisanship or cowed by political pressure, these minority voices are cynically working to stymie bipartisan cooperation. In the Senate, both sides must make sure these voices are in the minority. For the sake of our national security, for the sake of our friends in Ukraine, for the sake of America’s interests around the world, we must stay the course.”