PHOENIX – U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona returned from Ukraine on Sunday after meeting with officials and visiting a military hospital in the war-torn country.
This was the Democrat’s third visit to Ukraine since 2023.
“I visited Ukraine to show my support for the Ukrainian people. As always, I’m amazed by their strength as they fight for their country against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s illegal invasion,” Kelly said in a press release. “I plan to share what I’ve learned from Ukrainian leaders, service members, and the Ukrainian people with my colleagues in Washington to highlight the direct impact of our support.”
What Did Sen. Mark Kelly Do in Eastern Europe?
Kelly, a former U.S. Navy combat pilot, met with Deputy Minister of Defense Ivan Havryliuk and a Ukrainian security chief to discuss how the U.S. pause in military aid is affecting Ukraine. He assured them that he was working to restore support.
The Arizona senator also visited a military hospital, where he spoke with wounded soldiers, doctors, and staff about their experiences and challenges.
Additionally, Kelly laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine in Kyiv to honor those who have died in the conflict.
“One thing is clear: No one wants this war to end more than President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people,” Kelly said.
“But it needs to end in a way that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Ukraine’s safety is tied to the safety of the United States, which is why I stand with Ukraine.”
While in Eastern Europe, Kelly also stopped in Poland to meet with U.S. military officials and service members.
Kelly’s Visit Comes Amid U.S. Aid Controversy
Kelly’s trip followed President Donald Trump’s decision last Monday to suspend U.S. aid to Ukraine. Trump’s move is intended to pressure Zelenskyy into peace talks.
The decision came just days after Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy during an Oval Office meeting, arguing that Ukraine had shown insufficient gratitude for the more than $180 billion the U.S. has provided in aid since Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.
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