“The United States and NATO must do more to strengthen Ukrainian military capabilities. In the short-term, Ukraine needs anti-tank weapons, secure communications, night vision and thermal optics, UAVs, and air defense systems. Equally important is effective monitoring of U.S. assistance to ensure it reaches the front-line troops.

“…Congress has voted repeatedly to increase military assistance to Ukraine, most notably through the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, which was signed by President Obama. However, the president hasn’t used the authorities granted to him by this legislation. The debate in Congress is over. We are simply waiting for President Obama to demonstrate leadership.

“…Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and recent winter offensive all happened despite Western attempts to force a negotiated settlement. Each temporary ceasefire has merely legitimized Putin’s actions by essentially accepting Russia’s gains on the ground. Russian aggression in Ukraine won’t go away or resolve itself simply because we wish it to be so. …

“Confidence in America and our European allies’ commitment to uphold these norms deters bad actors and incentivizes other countries to play by the rules. If our credibility is in doubt, the chance for violence and instability increases. Nearly every Ukrainian official I met with understood this. It’s time the White House did as well.”

– Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), in a May 31 article published on cleveland.com.