Quigley Visits Ukraine Amid Congressional Funding Debate
Trip marks Quigley’s third visit since the war began in February 2022
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement regarding his recent visit to Ukraine where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The trip came at a critical time as aid for Ukraine has stalled in Congress.
Quigley traveled first to Poland where he and other members met with Polish officials, included the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Ambassador to Poland. Upon arrival in Kyiv, the members met with President Zelenskyy and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink. Quigley’s meetings covered a wide array of issues from defense technologies to anti-corruption efforts underway in Ukraine.
“I have traveled to Ukraine several times since the war began, but this trip was unlike those before. During this visit, I could sense the unease and doubt from everyone I met with about the United States’ commitment to Ukraine. For months, Congress has been at a standstill, unable to meet the urgent needs of an escalating war. Russia has the money and Putin has the patience to draw this conflict out for as long as possible. Ukraine has no time to waste,” said Quigley. “While a handful of extremists have repeatedly obstructed progress, passing this aid remains paramount for me and many of my colleagues. We know what a Russian victory will mean – our NATO allies in the region will be at immediate risk, and the U.S. will be infinitely closer to an expanded and more dangerous conflict. We cannot take that risk. When Congress returns, our first priority must be delivering Ukraine the aid they need to end Putin’s war.”
Click HERE for photos from Quigley’s visit.