Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has announced plans for a “record level” of military assistance to Ukraine, following remarks from former President Donald Trump about a significant announcement concerning Russia. Graham stated during a CBS interview that the dynamics surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine are set to change dramatically. He expects that, in the coming days, weapons will be delivered to Ukraine at an unprecedented rate to bolster its defense efforts.
Graham indicated that this increase in support is likely to be facilitated by Trump’s authority to draw down military resources, which may amount to as much as $300 million. The United States currently possesses $3.86 billion in presidential drawdown authority for Ukraine, following a withdrawal of $500 million by President Joe Biden in January 2023, just before Trump’s inauguration.
Graham expressed strong belief that Putin has miscalculated his approach. He stated, “For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table. The attacks have gone up, not down.” He suggested that Trump’s attempts to negotiate peace have failed, leading to escalating hostilities and an urgent need for a robust response from the U.S.
In a recent development, Trump reversed a Pentagon decision that had paused military shipments to Ukraine while a review of stockpiles was underway, a move that occurred without White House notification. Trump, who has promised to foster peace between Ukraine and Russia, indicated to NBC News that the U.S. would begin increasing arms sales to NATO allies for deployment to Ukraine, further hinting at the impending announcement.
Graham remarked, “The idea of America selling weapons to help Ukraine is very much in play.” He elaborated on the extensive support already provided to Ukraine, which includes financial aid, military supplies, and a minerals agreement worth trillions of dollars. He hinted at future actions regarding seized assets, noting that more details would be revealed soon.
As tensions rise, Trump has expressed frustration with Putin’s reluctance to engage in peace negotiations. “We get a lot of bulls*** thrown at us by Putin,” he stated last week, adding that his cordial interactions with the Russian leader often yield little substance. Trump has also shown support for Graham’s proposed legislation that would impose new sanctions on Russia, including a significant 500% tariff on goods imported from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. The bill currently has 85 co-sponsors.
Graham reiterated that the resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine hinges on pressuring nations that assist Russia. “The big offender here is China, India, and Brazil,” he stated, warning that these countries would face severe consequences if they continue their support for Putin.
In a notable diplomatic engagement, Graham mentioned that he and the bill’s Democratic co-sponsor, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would be meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday during his visit to Washington, D.C. Rutte is also scheduled to meet with Trump. Graham concluded by emphasizing that a turning point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is imminent, signaling a critical escalation in international support for Ukraine.
