Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since Russia-Ukraine war began. The massive bombardment used drones on cities across Ukraine.
The strike also involved the use of missiles, including missiles with hypersonic capability, to strike cities and civilian infrastructures.
Strikes reportedly hit a maternity hospital, a shopping mall, and residential areas—killing innocent people and injuring dozens more. It is a stark reminder to the world that, after nearly two years of this devastating war, Putin’s objective remains unchanged. He seeks to obliterate Ukraine and subjugate its people. He must be stopped.
In the face of this brutal attack, Ukraine deployed the air defense systems that the United States and her Allies and partners have delivered to Ukraine over the past year to successfully intercept and destroy many of the missiles and drones.
The American people can be proud of the lives they have helped to save, and the support they’ve given Ukraine as it defends its people, its freedom, and its independence. But unless Congress takes urgent action in the new year, the United States will not be able to continue sending the weapons and vital air defense systems which Ukraine needs to protect its people. Congress must step up and act without any further delay.
The stakes of this fight extend far beyond Ukraine. They affect the entirety of the NATO Alliance, the security of Europe, and the future of the Transatlantic relationship. Putin has not just attempted to destroy Ukraine; he has threatened some of the US NATO Allies as well.
When dictators and autocrats are allowed to run roughshod in Europe, the risk rises that the United States gets pulled in directly. And the consequences reverberate around the world. That’s why the United States has rallied a coalition of more than 50 countries to support the defense of Ukraine.
The US has affirmed that it cannot let its allies and partners down. It cannot let Ukraine down. History will judge harshly those who fail to answer freedom’s call.
