WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to press reports that President Trump has frozen all U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

“President Trump says he is focused on a peace agreement. If that’s true, then the last thing that he should do is cut Ukraine off at the knees. The only way that Ukraine will be able to negotiate with Russia from a position of strength is if Ukraine has the means to defend itself against Putin’s ongoing and unjust war. The most important piece of that is U.S security assistance to ensure Ukraine’s survival—there will be no negotiation if Ukraine is destroyed.

“Cutting off supplies as Ukraine continues to endure daily bombardment and decimation of its people; halting U.S. cyber programs as Russian military-linked activity targets the U.S. and allies and partners; working to dismantle the worldwide coalition that has come to Ukraine’s defense for the past three years; and spreading Russian propaganda as U.S. policy benefits only Putin.

“Tonight’s decision makes us less safe and makes continued war in Ukraine more likely. It makes Europe and the United States less secure. While Republicans choose to sit silently, thousands upon thousands of Ukrainians will die as our own national security is weakened by our own commander in chief.

“I urge Republicans to push the president to reverse this decision immediately to ensure our national security is not irreparably harmed.”

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