WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden needs to make a decision TODAY: either give Ukraine access to the planes and anti-aircraft defense systems it needs to defend itself, or enforce a no-fly zone to close Ukrainian skies to Russian attacks. If President Biden does not do this NOW, President Biden will show himself to be absolutely heartless and ignorant of the deaths of innocent Ukrainian children and families.

“This is a fight for democracy and our security. The United States must lead the world in both supporting Ukraine and destroying Russia for its horrific attacks and unjust war. Children are dying. The video President Zelenskyy showed today was difficult to watch and absolutely heartbreaking. After seeing these images and hearing his calls for help, it would be purely heartless and unacceptable to do nothing. Since the start of the war, President Biden has been slow to act and Congress has led the way in supporting Ukraine in its fight for democracy. I agree with President Zelenskyy that Biden should step up and lead, but it’s clear that Biden’s weakness will not change. Congress must quickly pass a bill to end Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia, ban all Russian imports and further devastate the Russian economy. I also echo President Zelenskyy’s request for the United States to sanction every Russian politician that does not resign from the government and make clear that any company still operating in Russia or Belarus must get out immediately—no amount of profit is worth supporting this war.

“The United States has the power to give Ukraine what it needs to win and ensure Putin and his thugs personally feel the pain of this ruthless and unlawful invasion. We must use it.”

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