The publication is reproduced in full below:
UKRAINE
Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise to bring attention to the need to support the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's invasion. Over the weekend, I took part in a Senate delegation to Poland alongside my colleagues Senator Rob Portman, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Senator Roger Wicker. We met with Ukrainian refugees--women, children, grandparents--some who were carrying their whole lives on their backs.
Three weeks ago, Ukrainians were thinking about their jobs, their plans, and their dreams. Now, so much of that is in shambles. Women have been figuring out how to get their older parents and young children to safety across the border while their brothers and husbands take up arms. The most heartbreaking conversations I had were with children who didn't know if they had a future.
Seeing the cost of this invasion up close has only strengthened my resolve to stand with Ukraine, both with humanitarian aid for refugees and military support. With advanced weapons from the United States and allies, Ukraine's Territorial Defense has been more effective in stifling Russia's invasion than most imagined. Vladimir Putin thought he would be greeted with rose petals--instead it was Molotov cocktails. And 21 days later, Kyiv still stands.
I was proud to join the bipartisan Senate majority in allocating
$13.6 billion for aid to Ukraine, but more support is needed. Over the past few weeks, Russian aircraft have been behind brutal assaults on residential neighborhoods, religious institutions, and hospitals in Ukraine. Ukraine needs more air defense support. Drones, Stingers, and Javelins have proven to be highly effective in taking down Russian aircraft and tanks, so we must continue to provide that critical weaponry and more.
In the face of this devastation, Poland has shown that it is a country with a big heart, taking in more than 1.7 million Ukrainian refugees. For perspective, Poland is a country of 38 million. Since they have opened their doors, the country's population has grown by over 4 percent. In Warsaw alone, the population has increased by 11 percent. Poles are meeting refugees at the border and welcoming them into their communities--even into their own homes.
The Polish people don't have to imagine what it is like to live through a full-scale invasion. Their history is marked by invasions by Prussia, the Habsburgs, the Nazis, and yes, Russia. Poland is also well aware of its 332-mile border with Ukraine. Last week, Russian missiles struck 15 miles from Poland's border. The Polish border guards I spoke with said they could literally feel the earth shake. As Putin's war inches westward, we must affirm our commitment to our NATO ally from a military and humanitarian standpoint.
During our trip, Senator Portman, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Wicker, and I had the honor of meeting with the 82nd Airborne. They briefed us on everything that is being done to help Ukrainian refugees, as well as fighters on the front lines. I also met with Minnesota troops, and I was inspired by their character and determination. It was clear that they understood the patriotic value of their service. I pray for their safety as they continue their mission in the region.
Across the Atlantic in Ukraine, we are all seeing how precious democracy truly is. Putin has shown his true colors. But you know what else? The people of Ukraine have shown their true colors--in bright blue and yellow--they are showing the world what true courage is all about. We must continue to stand with them in their fight.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 47
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