Current:Home > MyU.S. vet wounded in Ukraine-Russia war urges Congress to approve more funding for Kyiv -VisionFunds
U.S. vet wounded in Ukraine-Russia war urges Congress to approve more funding for Kyiv
View
Date:2025-04-18 12:02:56
Washington — With additional funding for Ukraine caught up in U.S. politics, some Americans who were wounded fighting alongside Ukraine's forces as they battle to fend off Russia's invasion visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday and Thursday, along with family members of others who were killed in action, to urge lawmakers to approve more money for Kyiv.
One U.S. Marine veteran who joined the fight in Chernihiv in 2022, where he received significant shrapnel wounds to his arms, legs and torso from a grenade dropped by a Russian drone, spoke with CBS News about meeting the U.S. lawmakers but asked to be identified by a pseudonym, as he plans to return to the fight once he's recovered.
- Where the GOP presidential candidates stand on Israel and Ukraine funding
Adam, part of a delegation organized by the R. T. Weatherman Foundation, spoke with congressional staffers to share his first-hand account of the war, and he stressed the urgency for more U.S. military aid to reach Ukraine's forces, in particular conventional artillery shells, which are quickly running out.
Adam told CBS News he felt called to serve on the Ukrainian front lines after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. He viewed it as a black-and-white situation morally, and felt his eight years of military experience could help.
Further U.S. assistance worth nearly $60 billion for Ukraine is tied up in the congressional fight over immigration legislation. Some House Republicans have refused to pass any more funding unless it is accompanied with tough immigration restrictions and more funding for border security.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders met President Biden on Wednesday in what Johnson called a "productive meeting" amid ongoing negotiations.
"We can't hold foreign aid hostage just because some senators or congressmen are trying to push for increased border policies," Adam told CBS News.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told ABC News this week that "time is running out" for U.S. lawmakers to clear the new funding. Mr. Biden warned weeks ago that the U.S. government's allotted money for Ukraine would run out at the end of the year, and he said if the new funding wasn't approved, it would be the "greatest Christmas gift" for Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Marine veteran Lance Lawrence was killed by a Russian drone during an operation to take a Russian trench line. His mother, Terrie Lawrence, joined Adam on Capitol Hill to advocate for the cause her son died for.
"He gave his life for this cause," Lawrence told CBS News. "We need to get it together and help support them and help them defeat their adversary."
The U.S. has supplied Ukraine with some $40 billion in aid since the war began almost two years ago. But about 30% of Americans say the U.S. is providing too much assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, according to a December Pew Research Center study.
"It's disappointing," said Adam. "I don't think they truly understand the repercussions if Russia were to succeed in their invasion."
If Ukraine's government were to fall, Russia would gain a massive new foothold right on the eastern boundary of NATO territory. While Ukraine is not a NATO member, yet, the U.S. is obligated under Article 5 of the treaty that formed the alliance to help defend militarily against any invasion of a member nation — and that includes several countries currently separated from Russia only by Ukraine.
As soon as he is fully recovered, Adam plans to return to his unit in Ukraine.
"We think that continued aid will not only push Russia back, but it will allow us, not only Ukraine, to be free," he told CBS News. "And I don't know what could be more important than freedom."
- In:
- United States Congress
- War
- Joe Biden
- Ukraine
- Donald Trump
- Russia
- Republican Party
- Vladimir Putin
- European Union
veryGood! (84254)
Related
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Nebraska priest and man accused of fatal stabbing had no connection, prosecutor says
- Court denies review of Pac-12 appeal, handing league control to Oregon State, Washington State
- Offshore wind farm projects face major hurdles amid tough economic climate
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Why did Shohei Ohtani sign with the Dodgers? It's not just about the money: He wants to win
- From Trump's trials to the history of hip-hop, NPR's can't-miss podcasts from 2023
- Wisconsin Republicans call for layoffs and criticize remote work policies as wasting office spaces
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Storm system could cause heavy rain, damaging winds from N.J. to Florida this weekend
Ranking
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Sacramento councilman charged with illegally hiring workers, wire fraud and blocking federal probe
- New York’s Metropolitan Museum will return stolen ancient sculptures to Cambodia and Thailand
- Max Scherzer has back surgery, will miss much of 2024 season for Rangers
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Scores of candidates to seek high-profile open political positions in North Carolina as filing ends
- 1000-Lb. Sisters Shows Glimpse Into Demise of Amy Slaton and Michael Halterman's Marriage
- Hague court rejects bid to ban transfer to Israel of F-35 fighter jet parts from Dutch warehouse
Recommendation
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
The Biden Administration’s Scaled-Back Lease Proposal For Atlantic Offshore Wind Projects Prompts Questions, Criticism
US government injects confusion into Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election
'General Hospital' dominates 50th annual Daytime Emmys with 6 trophies
Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
Hailee Steinfeld Has Pitch-Perfect Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your List
Chargers fire head coach Brandon Staley, GM Tom Telesco. Who is interim coach?
Wisconsin Republicans call for layoffs and criticize remote work policies as wasting office spaces