Senate Democrat says Ukraine needs ‘more air defense'

Senator Richard Blumenthal argues that Ukraine’s military needs stronger air defense capabilities to counter Russia’s aggression, dismissing diplomatic efforts as ineffective against a leader he describes as a ruthless figure. The lawmaker suggests that forceful action, rather than verbal warnings, is the only language understood by Russian President Vladimir Putin, following President Biden’s recent dispatch of the CIA director to engage with Moscow. The remarks highlight growing skepticism among some U.S. officials about the limits of diplomacy in shaping Putin’s actions on the battlefield. The debate underscores broader tensions over how best to support Ukraine amid an escalating conflict.

Rep. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said Ukraine requires “more air defense” in its war against Russia. “[Russian President Vladimir] Putin is a mob thug. He understands only force and strength. And so, to send the CIA director, as President Biden did, Director Burns, to warn or try to persuade Putin with words, actions speak louder than...