U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Biden’s virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin:
“American allies and adversaries alike are evaluating our response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ahead of his call with Putin, I called for the President to prevent the completion of Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline. This action would cut off one of Putin’s final economic lifelines and maintain Ukraine’s financial ties to Europe. Unfortunately, our President’s indecision on obvious deterrents like Nord Stream 2 are fueling Putin’s aggression on the Ukrainian border.
“Today’s call leaves me unconvinced that our President is showing the strength and leadership to deter an invasion. Our country maintains peace and protection at home through upholding alliances with allies and partners abroad. We should be working with the international community to aggressively push back on Putin. The United States has a responsibility to Ukraine, a key partner on the doorstep of Putin’s Russia – and I will use my role in Congress to ensure we uphold that responsibility.”
