US Senator tells incoming Congress not to give up on Ukraine, supply air defense

Outgoing Senator Richard Durbin urged the incoming US Congress and President Donald Trump not to abandon Ukraine, calling for its air defences to be replenished and approved aid funds to be delivered without delay. He criticised Trump’s approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that pressure on Ukraine and attempts to win Putin over with money undermine US allies and strengthen Russia.

Durbin said Putin is driven by historical grievances rather than financial incentives, and accused him of helping Iran target US assets and troops. He cited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s view that ending the war would require an in-person meeting with Putin, and referred to a reported history-focused phone call between Putin and Nordic leaders. Durbin, who has served five terms representing Illinois, is due to retire in January 2027; Senator Richard Blumenthal separately said he would introduce legislation supporting Ukraine.