WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King questioned General Christopher Cavoli, Commander of the United States European Command and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Supreme Allied Commander Europe, about the contributions of European countries to Ukraine’s efforts in the war against Russia and how the investments signify the nations’ deep concern that Russia’s expansion will continue westward. Senator King also received confirmation from General Cavoli that continued American support for Ukraine is critical as the nation fights to defend itself against Putin’s westward expansion.

The hearing comes shortly after Finland and Sweden joined NATO after generations of reluctance. Last month, Senator King, alongside a bipartisan group of his colleagues, wrote a letter welcoming Sweden to NATO. Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine shifted the worldview and priorities of Finland and Sweden, and the two Scandinavian countries — long familiar with Russia’s military aggression — saw short-term and long-term value in joining the alliance. 

Senator King used their evolving worldview to open his line of questioning:

“I commonly hear on the street in Maine, ‘Why are we doing this? Putin isn't really going to keep going.’ And my response is, ‘Ask the Finns.’ General Cavoli, what is the level of anxiety in eastern Europe about Putin's intentions beyond Ukraine,” questioned Senator King.

“Very high, Senator. Very high. You are correct, I agree. It's reflected in a number of donations they've given. So, Eastern European countries have emptied their pockets for Ukraine. Many countries in Europe share that, and the contributions from nations in Europe are very significant. Some of them have given 100% of what they have in a given category,” replied General Cavoli. “One nation has given 100% of its mobile artillery. Another nation has given all of its jet fighters and all of its tanks. Another nation has given 40% of its high-end air defense systems. So, these are significant contributions.”

“So, the idea that the United States is the only person carrying the burden here is just absolute nonsense. Is that correct,” asked Senator King.

“That is correct,” said General Cavoli.

“When Switzerland is giving more to the cause than the United States in terms of percentage of GDP, I think that makes a statement. Cyprus — countries, going down the list — Sweden, Croatia, Hungary, Finland, Romania. These are the countries that know Russia and that’s why they are in so deeply in this conflict, is that correct,” continued Senator King.

“Yes,” responded General Cavoli.

“Going down some of the other arguments that I hear, Ukraine can't win. It really appears to me that this is a battle between industrial capacity and being able to supply weapons. Russia has vastly increased its capacity to generate, for example, artillery ammunition. Can the Ukrainians win if they have sufficient material to carry this fight,” questioned Senator King.

“Absolutely, Senator. They have the skill, but most importantly, they have the determination to accomplish their goals. They need external support until they are able to generate their own industrial production,” said General Cavoli. “I agree with you that, in a long war like this, it is, in large part, a matter of industrial production of output. Once that output is achieved, the side with the greater determination will win, and that will be Ukraine.

Senator King has been a vocal supporter for Ukraine, voting in support of a bipartisan aid bill this past February that will help Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan defend themselves. In the days prior to the vote, he spoke on the Senate floor to his colleague that Ukraine’s fight is a “battle for the south of Democracy in the world.” Last January, Senator King travelled with Armed Services Chairmen Jack Reed (D-R) in a visit to meet Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskyy in Kiev. In a recent SASC hearing, Senator King warned of the parallels between 1930s Nazi propaganda and present day Russian misinformation campaigns designed to influence U.S. support for Ukraine.

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