WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts has cosponsored legislation introduced by Senators Dan Coats (R-Ind.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to sanction Russia’s Rosoboronexport – the sole state agency for export of Russian weapons systems and defense-related goods.

“We should not continue to spend American tax dollars to line the pockets of chronies of Vladimir Putin,” Roberts said. “This action would show that the United States is serious about sanctions with real consequences for Russian aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere. This action represents a focused foreign policy and leadership that has been lacking in the Obama Administration.”

The proposal would forbid the direct or indirect use of American tax dollars to enter contracts or agreements with Rosoboronexport and immediately terminate existing contracts and agreements with the agency. The legislation also would prohibit contracts with any domestic or foreign company that cooperates with Rosoboronextort to design, manufacture or sell military equipment.

Rosoboronexport facilitates and funds Putin’s foreign policy objectives through the sale of military equipment and technology, handling more than 80% of Russia’s weapons exports.

The agency is the chief supplier of arms to Bashar al-Assad, whose regime is using these weapons to murder innocent Syrian civilians. Rosoboronexport has committed to provide Syria with S–300 advanced anti-aircraft missiles, and under a $100 million contract from the Assad government, Rosoboronxport is delivering 36 Yakovlev Yak-130 jets, even as the Syrian Air Force continues to bomb civilian targets.

Senator Roberts is the Senior Marine in the U.S. Congress. Roberts joined other Senate Republicans led by Senator 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.