Graham on Biden Admin Not Providing Ukraine With F-16 Fighters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the news the Biden Administration will not provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine now, upon advice from the Department of Defense (DOD).  Graham has been very supportive and vocal in favor of providing this advanced weapons system to Ukraine as they seek to protect and defend their homeland from Russian invaders.

“President Biden’s recent statement ruling out F-16 fighters for Ukraine in the short term, based on advice from the Department of Defense, is beyond disappointing. It has been like pulling teeth with this Administration to get every weapons system requested by Ukraine to the battlefield. There is massive bipartisan support to provide Ukraine the fighter jets and start training them right now.  

“In addition, the Department of Defense’s handling of the Ukrainian conflict has been woefully inadequate. At every turn, DOD makes excuses as to why Ukraine should not receive advanced weapons systems and why every decision could lead to World War III.  I’m tired of hearing the American military leaders say what the Ukrainians can’t do.  Instead, their advice should be what tools and training can we provide to help them be successful in winning the war, expelling Russia from their territory, and ending the bloodshed.     

“Ultimately, the responsibility of this decision falls on President Biden.  He has the power to provide the jets and he chose not to do the right thing.  Denying one of the top requests of the Ukrainian military, F-16s and other NATO fighter aircraft, will only prolong the war and lead to even more death and destruction.  

“Finally, the Biden Administration’s decision is totally inconsistent with their recent statements that Russia is engaged in crimes against humanity. If they truly believed that statement, why in the world would they deny Ukraine advanced fighter jets to defend themselves against the Russian criminal?”