Estonian MEP Madison calls on US Congress to continue military aid to Ukraine

TALLINN - At a security forum in Washington, D.C., Estonian member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jaak Madison called on members of the US Congress to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine.

According to Madison, the United States must not allow authoritarian regimes to win.

"If the US continues to support Ukraine, it will demonstrate that the US does not accept the aggressive and illegal seizure of territory, as Russia is attempting to do in Ukraine. If Russia’s actions go unpunished, it will embolden other authoritarian states to take similar steps," Madison said. "If Ukraine falls, Russia’s threat to NATO’s eastern members, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, will increase. Supporting Ukraine will demonstrate to NATO allies that the US takes its responsibilities seriously, thereby strengthening the alliance."

If the US abandons support for Ukraine, it would, according to Madison, send a signal to the world that the US has lost its leading role in global politics.

"Supporting Ukraine will reinforce the United States' leadership in the global security system and confirm that the United States continues to lead in resolving international crises, standing up to authoritarianism and aggression. Supporting Ukraine is a strategic move that helps the United States maintain global balance, protect its allies, and remain a nation that shapes international norms," ​​Madison said.

The forum, which is being held in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday, brings together lawmakers, government officials and security experts from 54 countries. Among those attending are Matt Pottinger, deputy national security adviser to president Donald Trump's previous administration, and David Malpass, former president of World Bank.