WASHINGTON—On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and 39 of their Republican colleagues in a letter calling on President Biden to work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of aircraft and air defense systems, as well as additional support capabilities to Ukraine following the Defense Department’s decision to reject Poland’s plans to provide MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.

 “We urge your Administration to work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of urgently-needed airpower, air defense systems, and other combat and support capabilities from the United States, NATO allies, and other European partners to Ukraine,” said 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. Your Administration champions the $1 billion in defense articles provided to Ukraine over the past 13 months and has definitively stated there are no restrictions in your current suite of authorities to adequately respond to Russia's lawless and bloody invasion of Ukraine,” continued the senators.

“We implore you to act without delay to provide urgently needed airpower that will bolster the ability of the Ukrainian armed forces to defend their country and help save civilian lives,” the senators concluded.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden,

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. So far, Russian forces have been stymied by stiff Ukrainian resistance, and we must redouble our efforts to prevent a brutal and unlawful takeover of Ukraine. We urge your Administration to work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of urgently-needed airpower, air defense systems, and other combat and support capabilities from the United States, NATO allies, and other European partners to Ukraine.

While we commend the lethal aid that your Administration has sent to Ukraine thus far, we strongly disagree with the Defense Department's decision to delay and deny Poland the option to transfer fighter jets to Ukraine and launch from a U.S./NATO base in Germany given the threat environment. Your Administration champions the $1 billion in defense articles provided to Ukraine over the past 13 months and has definitively stated there are no restrictions in your current suite of authorities to adequately respond to Russia's lawless and bloody invasion of Ukraine. Extended considerations of the legality and feasibility regarding the transfer or release of military aid of any form to Ukraine are not delayed by necessity; they are doctrinal and political choices. 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. 

Today, Russia's assault is trained on the Ukrainian people, public infrastructure, farms, hospitals, daycares, places of work, and even their homes. The Ukrainian military is in dire need of more lethal aid today to defend the foundations of their country that will allow it to function in the future. We cannot allow Putin to gain an advantage because of a failure to provide the Ukrainians with needed weaponry, ammunition, communications equipment, and medical supplies.

We implore you to act without delay to provide urgently needed airpower that will bolster the ability of the Ukrainian armed forces to defend their country and help save civilian lives. 

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