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In a recent statement on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized the importance of aiding Ukraine in the face of growing threats from Russia, China, and Iran. McConnell highlighted how these revisionist states are aiding each other in their goals to subvert or destroy democratic nations. He pointed out the lengths to which authoritarian regimes in Beijing and Tehran are going to support Vladimir Putin's brutal war in Ukraine.

McConnell stated, "The PRC has massively ramped up its purchases of Russian energy to help Moscow subvert Western sanctions. And Chinese materials are helping produce 80 million rounds of ammunition for Russian invaders." He also mentioned that Iran is providing maintenance for Russian aircraft subject to U.S. sanctions and training Putin's forces to use lethal kamikaze drones.

The Republican Leader emphasized that America's adversaries are heavily invested in Russia's war in Ukraine because they understand that their ability to threaten America and the West is directly tied to what is happening in Eastern Europe. McConnell pointed out that America's allies also understand this reality, which is why countries like Japan and Poland are making massive new commitments to modernize their defenses and expand their defense industrial bases.

He highlighted the positive news of Germany's departure from years of neglect for hard power, stating, "Today, as Berlin continues to pour new resources into its own military strength, our German allies have also announced a plan to double their direct military aid to Ukraine in the coming year." McConnell also praised Estonia, a NATO ally, for allocating a significant share of its GDP in direct assistance since the beginning of Russia's escalation.

McConnell emphasized that America's friends and adversaries alike understand the consequences of failing to check Vladimir Putin's aggression in Europe. He underscored the clear ways that America's support for Ukraine is driving the country's growing readiness to face other threats. McConnell pointed out the emergency investments made in the U.S. defense industrial base as a result of Russia's war on Ukraine, which are doubling production capacity for artillery rounds, increasing production of long-range precision fires by 40%, and nearly doubling capacity for air-to-air missiles.

The Republican Leader emphasized the interconnectedness of the threats faced by America and the benefits of investments in Western strength. He stated, "Expanding our defense industrial bases means making America and our allies stronger – from Europe to the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific." McConnell urged support for investments in American military capabilities and the defense industrial base, as failing to do so would not only starve friends and allies but also weaken America's own military.

In conclusion, McConnell emphasized that the threats faced by America are not divisible, and neither is the progress being made toward restoring American strength. It is clear that both America's allies and adversaries understand the global stakes in Ukraine and the importance of supporting Ukraine in order to safeguard international security.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=84367E5C-4D12-4AE0-9DD1-41045904F739