US Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has called for the immediate resumption of military aid to Ukraine – particularly the supply of air defence systems – and for increased sanctions pressure on Russia. Following the Democrats’ victory in the congressional elections, he stated that it was necessary to capitalise on the new political landscape, revoke the Donald Trump administration’s agreements with Moscow regarding Russian diesel fuel, and replace the US representatives at the peace talks. The senator also announced a legislative initiative aimed at strengthening support for Ukraine.
- Senator Blumenthal has called for the immediate resumption of US military aid to Ukraine.
- He cited air defence systems and the tightening of sanctions against Russia as priorities.
- A Democrat is calling for Trump’s agreement with Moscow on Russian diesel to be scrapped.
- Blumenthal is proposing to replace the US negotiators and tighten controls over Starlink.
- The senator plans to table a new bill in Congress in support of Ukraine.
Blumenthal called on Congress to capitalise on the Democrats’ victory
An American senator stated that the results of the mid-term elections had created new opportunities to strengthen support for Ukraine. In his view, Congress should immediately capitalise on this political momentum to secure the resumption of military supplies and the imposition of tougher economic sanctions against Moscow.
Blumenthal emphasised the need to reinstate the sanctions that had been eased by the Trump administration, to terminate the agreements on Russian diesel fuel, and to supply Ukraine with weapons, particularly air defence systems. He is convinced that increased US pressure could force Vladimir Putin to move on to substantive peace talks.
The senator announced that a bill to this effect was being drafted. However, his initiative still has to go through the legislative process, so there is no question of a decision having been taken to resume arms supplies at this stage.
Senator calls for the scrapping of Trump’s fuel deal with Russia
Particular attention Blumenthal devoted agreements Washington and Moscow regarding Russian diesel fuel. In October, the Trump administration agreed to ease restrictions on its supply to global markets against the backdrop of energy problems linked to the war against Iran.
The senator described the agreement as unacceptable, stating that it allows Russia to generate additional revenue to fund the war against Ukraine.
As early as 13 October, Blumenthal, together with eleven senators from both parties, called on Trump to scrap the agreement. Lawmakers warned that easing sanctions would have a limited impact on fuel prices in the US, whilst providing the Russian budget with new revenue.
Blumenthal has criticised Witkoff and is calling for new negotiators
Another demand made by the senator was the replacement of the US administration officials involved in the negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Blumenthal criticised diplomats who show support for Putin and describe him as a humanitarian. He was referring, in particular, to the US President’s Special Representative Steve Witkoff, which during a meeting with the Russian President On 21 October, he spoke highly of his role in the release of an American citizen Stephen Hubbard.
The senator believes that this approach is not in line with the objectives of US diplomacy. He is calling for a change in the negotiating team and for Washington to adopt a tougher stance towards Moscow.
Congress may tighten its control over Starlink and Starshield
Blumenthal also raised the issue of control over the Starlink and Starshield satellite systems, which are of vital importance to the national security of the US and its allies, in particular Ukraine.
According to the senator, Congress must ensure proper oversight of the use of these technologies in the public interest. This concerns critical communications systems on which certain military and security operations depend.
Blumenthal’s comments came amidst discussions amongst Democrats regarding a new aid package for Ukraine. According to reports in the American and Ukrainian media, the figure in question is approximately 15 billion dollars. However, this sum remains, for the time being, a matter of political plans rather than an approved budgetary decision.
