WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of military veterans today called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to formalize a security assistance memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ukraine.

“The war in Ukraine is now entering its seventh month and could soon turn into a war of attrition, which may move the conflict in Russia’s favor despite impressive resistance from the Ukrainian armed forces and the successful use of U.S. and NATO defense equipment,” the lawmakers wrote. “Up to now, military assistance from NATO member countries has given Ukraine the tools necessary to resist Russian aggression. We must keep this momentum in Ukraine’s favor. That is why an MOU between the United States and Ukraine could prove critical in this current phase of the conflict – President Vladimir Putin must understand the full extent of U.S. support for Ukraine. A long-term security commitment would make clear that we are ready and willing to provide Ukraine with the capacity it needs to defend itself, impede Russian advances in this war, and deter the threat of a potential Russian invasion in the coming years.”

Memoranda of Understanding are non-binding political agreements subject to congressional appropriations. An MOU–modeled after the 2016 U.S.-Israel security agreement–would provide Ukraine with stable and predictable funding to successfully protect its sovereignty now and into the future.

The letter was signed by Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-Iowa), Conor Lamb (D-Penn.), Peter Meijer, (R-Mich.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn), Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.).

The cosigners are members of the For Country Caucus, a bipartisan group of military veterans who are committed to strengthening U.S. national security, supporting veterans, and building a more productive government.

Full text of the letter is below and can also be found HERE.

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The Honorable Antony Blinken

United States Secretary of State

2201 C Street NW

Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Blinken,

We, as a bipartisan group of military veterans, write in support of a security assistance memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ukraine. We urge you to work expeditiously with the Ukrainian government to draft and finalize any such agreement to signal to Ukraine, our allies and partners, and Russia that the United States supports the long-term interests of Ukraine and its people. While the coming weeks and months will be critical to Ukraine’s success, so too will its ability to defend its sovereignty into the future. Therefore, we believe an MOU will demonstrate the United States’ steadfast commitment to Ukraine, advance U.S. national security priorities, and bolster the security and morale of the Ukrainian people.

The war in Ukraine is now entering its seventh month and could soon turn into a war of attrition, which may move the conflict in Russia’s favor despite impressive resistance from the Ukrainian armed forces and the successful use of U.S. and NATO defense equipment. Up to now, military assistance from NATO member countries has given Ukraine the tools necessary to resist Russian aggression. We must keep this momentum in Ukraine’s favor. That is why an MOU between the United States and Ukraine could prove critical in this current phase of the conflict – President Vladimir Putin must understand the full extent of U.S. support for Ukraine. A long-term security commitment would make clear that we are ready and willing to provide Ukraine with the capacity it needs to defend itself, impede Russian advances in this war, and deter the threat of a potential Russian invasion in the coming years. 

Although the State Department—in concert with the White House and Department of Defense—should have the latitude to negotiate the scope of the MOU, we encourage you to secure long-term defense commitments with Ukraine that include agreements on surface-to-air missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and training on, and transfer of, appropriate fighter aircraft. We have seen many of these weapons systems pay dividends in the war thus far—they have crippled Russia’s efforts to gain air superiority, halted Russian offensives, and allowed Ukrainians to strike vital logistics lines. Continuing to build and expand on these clear successes should be a top priority.

It is for these reasons that an MOU with Ukraine is vital. If the people of Ukraine are to be freed from the shadow of Russian oppression, they must have long-term security guarantees. And if the United States is to uphold its promises to our allies and the world that we will stand up to tyranny and defend liberty, then we must continue to back up those words with deeds. 

We appreciate the State Department’s dedicated work in support of Ukraine since this unprovoked war began. As we have seen from the global repercussions of this conflict, Ukraine is critical to U.S. and European security. We ask that you consider this effort to ensure that the United States maintains its status as a beacon of hope for the oppressed peoples of the world. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,