Curtis Joins Tillis, Armstrong on Delegation to Ukraine

Senators affirmed support for Ukraine, assessed security conditions and defense capabilities amid continued Russian aggression
KYIV, UKRAINE —U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined a Republican congressional delegation with Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) to Ukraine to affirm American support for the Ukrainian people and assess the security situation amid Russia’s continued war of aggression. The trip marks the first time since the start of the invasion that a congressional delegation visited Kharkiv, a heavily fortified frontline city just miles from the Russian border.
While in Kyiv, the delegation met with U.S. and Ukrainian officials and key stakeholders to receive updates on the war, negotiations, and Ukraine’s rapidly developing defense technologies. Before going to Ukraine, the delegation was joined by Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in Poland.
Photos from the visit can be downloaded here .
Senator Curtis shared the following comments on his experience:
On Ukraine’s military capabilities:
“Ukraine has gone from a fragment of the Soviet Union to a global symbol of freedom and democracy in the face of authoritarianism. The Ukrainian people are fighting for their sovereignty, but they are also defending values Americans cherish: free speech, free markets, and free people.
“While in Ukraine, we witnessed an extremely capable military on the forefront of innovation in the UAS and counter-UAS space. It was particularly helpful to see how Ukraine is providing these capabilities across Europe and the Middle East.”
On the future of U.S. support for Ukraine:
“It is clear that Putin intends to make the coming winter hard for Ukraine. He will not succeed. The Ukrainians provided us with concrete asks to help them get through the winter, including House passage and the full enactment of the Lindsey Graham Russia Sanctions Act . It’s important to note that the requests made by the Ukrainians require no U.S. taxpayer dollars nor further aid packages. My colleagues and I plan to execute on these requests and get Ukraine the support it needs.”
On what’s at stake:
“A Russian victory threatens more than just Europe. Like Russia, China carries territorial ambitions. There’s no question they’re eyeing Taiwan and seeking to set the stage for an invasion, which is why what happens in Ukraine is directly tied to Taiwan and stability in the Indo-Pacific. President Xi is carefully watching our response to Russia’s war, inferring our posture would be similar to how we would respond if China were to invade Taiwan. If China invades Taiwan, global upheaval will follow, and we would see our economy hit harder in the initial onset than the Great Depression.”
On the lived experience of Ukrainians:
“This delegation made clear that the debate in Washington is about much more than lines on a map. We met Ukrainians defending their families and communities and saw the extraordinary lengths civilians are going to return to normality. Their courage and determination are an inspiration to freedom-loving people everywhere. We refuse to let this be a blueprint for future authoritarian regimes’ aggression.”
Background:
During the visit, the delegation received on-the-ground assessments of the security situation in Poland and Ukraine, updates on the war, NATO, and ongoing peace negotiations. Members also examined developments in unmanned aerial vehicle and counter-UAV systems, areas where Ukraine has developed significant battlefield expertise.
In Poland, Curtis praised the country’s leadership within NATO, including its commitment to spending 5 percent of its GDP on defense and its critical role as a logistical hub supporting Ukraine. Curtis emphasized that continued coordination between the United States, Poland, and other NATO allies is essential to deterring further Russian aggression and maintaining security along NATO’s Eastern Front.
Russia’s continued war in Ukraine has highlighted the many broader implications for U.S. national security and global stability. In his role on the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Curtis has remained vocal, warning that Vladimir Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine and that a strong, unified NATO posture is necessary to deter further aggression in Europe.
Curtis has also supported continued pressure on Russia’s war machine, including legislation targeting the countries and entities helping finance Russia through purchases of Russian oil and gas. The Senate recently approved the sanctions package by an 86–11 vote.