03.10.22

Hoeven, Colleagues Urge President Biden to Allow Transfer of Soviet-Era Fighter Aircraft from Poland to Ukraine

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in urging President Biden to allow the transfer of Soviet-era fighter aircraft from Poland to Ukraine. Ukraine has expressed the need for additional air power to help defend itself against Russia, and the senators are pressing the Biden administration to expedite additional assistance to the country, including aircraft.

“Supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom against the tyrannical, lawless Russian invasion of Ukraine's sovereign territory is among the most urgent missions the West has faced in a generation,” wrote the senators. “While we commend the lethal aid that your administration has sent to Ukraine thus far, we strongly disagree with your decision to delay and deny Poland the option to transfer fighter jets to Ukraine… We implore you to direct your Department of Defense to facilitate the transfer of aircraft, air defense systems, and other capabilities by and through our NATO partners immediately.”

In addition to Hoeven and Ernst, today’s letter was co-signed by 40 U.S. Senators. Click here for the full text of the letter.  

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