WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., joined other Senate Republicans led by Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., in introducing a bill to provide a bold strategy of expanded NATO operations, broader sanctions and targeted military assistance to curb Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“This legislation provides bold leadership and a comprehensive strategy where Europe and the President have failed to put Vladimir Putin in check,” Roberts said. “I have long called for a national security reset and for America to begin leading by leading once again. As a Marine, my first concern is about the security of our troops and force structure in Europe, including our NATO commitments. I am proud that this legislation requires the President to implement a plan that increases NATO exercises and operations. Additionally, we will start to provide the most vulnerable states, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova with major non-NATO ally status so they can begin to receive military support. This Administration allowed Putin to take Crimea without batting an eyelash. This bill draws a hard red line for Putin, and the President, and makes certain that Russian forces are deterred from further land grabs.”
Key provisions of the Russian Aggression Prevention Act, introduced Wednesday, include:
Strengthens NATO
Increases substantially U.S. and NATO support for the armed forces of Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, as well as other countries determined appropriate by the president.
Requires the president to accelerate implementation of missile defense in Europe and provide other missile defense support for our NATO allies.
Deters Russian aggression
Places immediate new sanctions on any Russian officials and agents involved in the illegal occupation of Crimea, as well as on corrupt Russian officials and their supporters, and broadens and solidifies the sanctions already imposed by the administration.
Imposes immediate new sanctions tied to the destabilization of eastern Ukraine on four key Russian banks: Sberbank, VTB Bank, VEB Bank, Gazprombank, as well as on the Gazprom, Novatek, Rosneft energy monopolies, and Rosoboronexport, the major Russian arms dealer.
If Russian armed forces cross further into, or Russia further annexes, the sovereign territory of Ukraine or any other country, even tougher sanctions would (1) cut all senior Russian officials, their companies, and their supporters off from the world’s financial system; (2) target any Russian entities owned by the Russian government or sanctioned individuals across the arms, defense, energy, financial services, metals, or mining sectors in Russia; (3) and cut Russian banks off from the U.S. banking system.
Hardens our non-NATO allies
Authorizes the president to provide $100 million worth of direct military assistance to Ukraine, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons and small arms, based on a needs and capabilities assessment of the Ukrainian armed forces. It also encourages the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine.
Provides authority for exports of U.S. natural gas to all WTO members, including key countries in Europe, and provides support to encourage the U.S. private sector to invest in energy projects in Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.
Imposes significant diplomatic measures on Russia, limits Russia’s access to advanced U.S. oil and gas technologies, provides support for Russian civil society, and focuses U.S. attention on corruption in Russia, potential treaty violations, and other strategically important matters.
Provides Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia with major non-NATO ally status to facilitate their access to military equipment and expands U.S. and NATO military exercises and training with key non-NATO states. It also prohibits U.S. recognition of the annexation of Crimea and provides support for civil society activities in former Soviet countries, as well as expands U.S. government counter-propaganda efforts.