WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued a statement after President Trump announced he would work with NATO to continue supplying Ukraine with military aid. The President also signaled he would implement U.S. tariffs on Russia if a deal to end the war in Ukraine was not reached in 50 days. After these announcements, Chairman Wicker released the following statement:

“Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been given every chance to negotiate in good faith with President Trump. Instead, he has chosen to further his terror campaign against the Ukrainian people and extend the illegal war he started. Today’s announcement by President Trump demonstrates his determination to implement a peace through strength policy against the Russian dictator. I also commend NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and our allies, especially Germany, for their commitment in this effort and for taking decisive action to transfer weapons immediately.

Putin understands only strength. I hope President Trump’s decision to accelerate military aid to Ukraine and to threaten crippling sanctions will drive this conflict closer to its end.  The president should have every tool available to increase pressure on Putin. To that end, I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and with officials at the Pentagon to rebuild the Arsenal of Democracy and improve the president’s ability to use European money to arm Ukraine.”