Meeting of Three American Senators with Zelensky; Russian Combat Power Reduced by '50 Percent'

A three-member delegation of senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties met on Wednesday, August 23, with the President, Minister of Defense, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Ukraine in Kyiv. Richard Blumenthal, Lindsey Graham, and Elizabeth Warren discussed oversight of Washington's aid to Eastern European countries and the latest developments regarding the defense of Ukrainians against the occupation by Putin's forces, one day before Ukraine's Independence Day anniversary. Senator Blumenthal stated, 'Ukraine's fight for democracy and freedom against Russia's unprovoked aggression is our fight too. Putin will not stop at Ukraine, and failure will only embolden our enemies.' He emphasized the urgent need for Ukraine to receive F-16 fighter jets and experienced pilots, as well as longer-range artillery like the ATACMS missile system, adding, 'We must... immediately pass a bold, bipartisan supplemental security package.' This senior Democratic senator also stressed the necessity of classifying Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and adding the Wagner Group to the list of foreign terrorist organizations. Senator Lindsey Graham noted the high morale of Ukrainians and their readiness to sacrifice for freedom, saying, 'The weapons we have provided to Ukrainians have been used effectively.' He pointed out the '50 percent' reduction in Russian combat power, stating, 'Throughout this time, we have not lost a single American soldier in Ukraine.' This senior Republican senator warned that if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, the likelihood of further advances by his soldiers and ultimately conflict between Russia and NATO will increase. Additionally, Elizabeth Warren, a senior Democratic senator, highlighted the ongoing threat from Russia against the people of Ukraine, stating, 'Ukrainians are on the front lines of the battle for democracy, and we must continue to support them.' Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed gratitude on social media for the support from U.S. President Joe Biden, both the Democratic and Republican parties, Congress, and the American people, calling U.S. support for Ukrainians to use F-16s 'vital.' Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year, Western countries led by the United States have imposed extensive sanctions against Russia and provided several military and civilian aid packages worth billions of dollars to Ukraine.