Sen. John McCain calls for support, guns amidst Ukraine annexation
Mar 18, 2014, 1:06 PM | Updated: 1:06 pm
PHOENIX — Arizona Sen. John McCain said America needs to send not only support, but weapons, to Ukraine after the Crimea was annexed by Russia following a weekend vote of support.
In a statement, McCain called for greater support for Ukraine and imposing additional costs on Russia.
To support Ukraine, McCain wants the U.S. to work with NATO to get food and other aid to both troops and civilians in the eastern part of the country. He also wants guns.
“Rush the modest military assistance to the Ukrainian government that its leaders have requested, including some small arms and ammunition, as well as significant non-lethal assistance, such as protective equipment, spare parts, fuel, and sharing of intelligence.”
The senator also called for $1 billion in loan guarantees to be promised to the Eastern European nation and steps to enhance the importation of U.S. gasoline and natural gas to reduce Ukraine’s fuel dependence on Russia, which could be used as a bargaining chip.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty to annex Crimea but suggested his country was not seeking to take over other parts of Ukraine.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
