U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe led a congressional delegation to Romania as the Memorial Day weekend got underway. The Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee had been advised by the EUCOM Command General that a visit was warranted in light a recent Russian aggression in the Black Sea area.
“As Russia shifts from a defensive to an offensive position in the Black Sea, it is more important than ever that we not only stand by our NATO partners, but also that we use all tools necessary to put pressure on Putin. The strength of the U.S.-Romania relationship highlights that strategy well. Romania is not only meeting their NATO defense spending commitments, but they are making long term investments in infrastructure and weapons systems that not only scare Putin, but provide a meaningful deterrent against his aggressive Black Sea bullying,” Inhofe said.
Inhofe hopes President Biden will convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to end aggression in the region.
“Ahead of President Biden’s upcoming summit with President Putin, I urge him to stand firm in the face of the tyrant, Putin, and not forget the needs of our allies and partners like Romania and Ukraine, who are on the front lines fighting Russia.”
The delegation also visited with U.S. military personnel who are conducting a rotation in Romania.
