U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has responded to the European Union Commission’s recent decision to grant Ukraine a $90 billion loan. The loan is intended to help Ukraine continue its defense against Russian aggression.
“I welcome news of the EU‘s decision to take substantive action to support Ukraine’s ability to defend itself with a $90Bn loan. While I’m disappointed the EU Commission chose not to utilize Russia’s frozen assets, this European-backed loan will bridge a critical funding gap and allow Ukraine to continue to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.
“I have long called on our European allies to step up and use frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine, and believe there is still a path forward to use these funds to make sure Russia is held financially accountable.
“Putin started this war and continues to inflict damage against Ukraine, including through daily drone and missile strikes on innocent civilian homes and the critical infrastructure they need to survive. It is only fair that Russia pays for the damage it has caused.”
Senator Risch serves as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which plays a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy by reviewing treaties, legislation, and other international issues (https://www.foreign.senate.gov/about/history). The committee also assigns its Chairman and Ranking Member from among its majority and minority members respectively (https://www.foreign.senate.gov/about/membership).
Since its establishment in 1816 as one of the original standing committees of the Senate (https://www.foreign.senate.gov/about/history), the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has influenced major international decisions such as supporting the Marshall Plan in 1948 and rejecting the Treaty of Versailles in 1919–1920 (https://www.foreign.senate.gov/about/history). As part of its legislative responsibilities, it remains focused on matters related to international relations within the U.S. government framework (https://www.foreign.senate.gov/about/history).
The recent statement by Senator Risch underscores ongoing discussions about financial responsibility for damages resulting from conflict in Ukraine.
