Group of Bipartisan Senators Press Biden to Expedite Arms to Poland

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators are urging President Joe BidenThis link opens in new window or tab. to expedite a sale of arms to Poland amid Russian President Vladimir PutinThis link opens in new window or tab.'s ongoing attack on Ukraine.

The senators urged Biden to direct the Department of State and the Department of Defense to "take any steps they can to accelerate" the execution of the $6 billion deal. The plea was made in a letter sent to the president on Friday and signed by Democratic Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick DurbinThis link opens in new window or tab. of Illinois, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Republican Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch of Idaho.

The arms sale consists of 250 M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks—equipment that has been referred toThis link opens in new window or tab. as "the most modern battle tank in the world"—and was approved about one week before Russia invaded Ukraine as part of an effort to bolster the defenses of neighboring Poland. The senators suggested that, in addition to expediting the sale and delivery of the tanks, the Biden administration should approve additional arms sales to Poland and other NATOThis link opens in new window or tab. allies.

"It is our understanding that Poland has also expressed an interest in acquiring additional platforms to bolster its defense," the senators wroteThis link opens in new window or tab. to Biden. "As such, we also strongly urge you to direct State and DoD to work proactively with the Government of Poland to identify any other outstanding needs and swiftly develop, approve and execute [sales of additional arms] to meet the rapidly evolving threat posed by the Russian Federation."

"Dramatically strengthening Poland's ground forces will also strengthen NATO's collective defensive capabilities and serve as a powerful deterrent against the Russian Federation launching additional military incursions in Europe beyond Ukraine," they continued. "Now is the time for NATO to demonstrate strength, unity and resolve in the face of Putin's war of aggression."

The letter referred to Putin as a "brutal dictator and thug who seeks to intimidate and bully members of the NATO alliance, the European UnionThis link opens in new window or tab. and all members of the international community that respect the rules-based democratic international system we built after World War II."

Even if the pending arms sale to Poland is expedited, the tanks may not be delivered to the country until 2025, accordingThis link opens in new window or tab. to BloombergThis link opens in new window or tab.. The deal also includesThis link opens in new window or tab. a selection of machine guns, 26 Hercules Combat recovery vehicles and other equipment.

While avoiding direct involvement in the conflict, the U.S. has also provided $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine over the past year, including $350 million that was authorizedThis link opens in new window or tab. one day after the invasion began. Weapons being shipped by the U.S. to Ukraine includeThis link opens in new window or tab. Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and guns and ammunition.

Additional NATO countries are also sending arms to Ukraine, often being delivered through Poland, although the shipments are being made by individual countries rather than NATO itself. Putin has warnedThis link opens in new window or tab. that other countries attempting to directly interfere with the Russian forces would be subject to consequences "never encountered in your history."

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