Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today advanced the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, legislation to ensure that Ukrainian forces have the resources they need to deter and defend against Russian aggression.
“Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I have been clear that the United States should support our Ukrainian partners with the military weapons and equipment they need,” Stefanik said. “Today, I am joining my colleagues in sending a clear message that the United States stands with Ukraine and that we will uphold our commitments to them as they continue the fight against Vladimir Putin’s bloodthirsty aggression. I am proud to advance this legislation to provide another avenue to equip our Ukrainian partners with the resources they need.”
This bill would authorize the President to enter into lend-lease agreements directly with Ukraine and provide military equipment necessary to defend against Russian aggression. In some cases, like the loan of equipment, the United States could eventually retain the use of this equipment in the end.
Stefanik has been a strong supporter of Ukraine against Russian aggression. She has voted to advance Supporting the people of Ukraine (H. Res. 956), the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act (H.R. 6968), and the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act (H.R. 7108).
Ahead of the Russian invasion, Stefanik co-led the NYET Act to impose meaningful sanctions on the Putin regime to deescalate the situation in Ukraine and send meaningful aide to Ukraine to send a clear deterrent signal to Russia. This legislation included a lend-lease provision.
