Cramer, Wicker Strengthen Transatlantic Security Ties

Lawmakers Meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Amid Russian Attacks, Reaffirm U.S. Support for Ukraine and Regional Security Cooperation

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) to Ukraine, where they discussed developments in the war with Russia and their joint strategic security objectives. Cramer and Wicker also traveled to Spain, Andorra, and Poland, where they joined allied military and civilian leaders from across the continent intent on bolstering national security cooperation and addressing defense challenges in Central and Eastern Europe.

"I'm grateful to join my Senate colleagues on this important trip to strengthen our partnerships with European allies and reaffirm our commitment to transatlantic security," said Cramer, chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee and member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus. "Meeting with President Zelenskyy and hearing from young Ukrainians who escaped Russian-occupied territories was a powerful reminder of what is at stake. We must stand with Ukraine, confront Russian aggression, and work alongside our allies to protect freedom and security for generations to come. This trip has also renewed my conviction to increase our energy security, our food security and our mineral security in order to weather conflicts and honor our alliances should the need arise. Peace through strength requires the conviction to lead as well as the ability to defend our homeland and our allies until we have achieved victory."

In Kyiv, the delegation met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian attacks targeted infrastructure across the country. Following the meeting, Zelenskyy said in a post on X that air raid alerts remained in effect throughout the discussion because of the threat posed by jet-powered Shahed drones. He added Russian strikes had damaged two schools in Kyiv since the beginning of the month and hit bridges, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

"We can only protect ourselves from this terror by working together, and we discussed how the United States can help save lives," said Zelenskyy on X. "Of course, we expect the Lindsey Graham Act to be implemented. This is a matter of political will, and it is now important to show leadership and fully cut off the financial flows sustaining Russia's war machine. We also discussed other necessary steps, including expediting licensing for Patriot missile production. Ukraine is ready not only to produce ballistic missile interceptors for its own needs, but also to strengthen the United States and its allies through joint production. I thank the United States for its unwavering support."

Cramer and his colleagues also attended the 24th Autumn Meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Andorra, which included personal accounts from young Ukrainians who escaped Russian-occupied territories. Afterward, Cramer said, "We must never forget the thousands of children taken by Russia in Putin's unprovoked, illegal attack on Ukraine."

Cramer then joined Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and other participants in the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland. In addition to a bilateral meeting with commander of United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Cramer also discussed the role of energy as a tool of geopolitical influence and potential vulnerability in times of conflict.

Cramer last traveled to Ukraine with a bipartisan congressional delegation in January 2022, shortly before the Russian invasion, meeting with Zelenskyy and reaffirming U.S. support as Russian forces built up along Ukraine's border. The senators voiced solidarity with Ukraine amid escalating Russian aggression, the ongoing conflict in the Donbas, and Russia's occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea.

In 2022, Cramer also joined the bipartisan Senate Ukraine Caucus, established in 2015 to strengthen political, military, economic, and cultural ties between the United States and Ukraine.