McConnell continues to push tying Ukraine and Israel aid despite House GOP push for standalone Israel package

Mitch McConnell speaks to reporters at the Capitol Building on October 24.

US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell continues to advocate for linking Ukraine and Israel aid together despite a House GOP push for a standalone Israel package offset by cuts, a sign of the division within the most senior Republicans.

“This is a moment for swift and decisive action to prevent further loss of life and to impose real consequences on the tyrants who have terrorized the people of Ukraine and of Israel. And right now, the Senate has a chance to produce supplemental assistance that will help us do exactly that,” said McConnell while introducing Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova at an event in Louisville, Kentucky on Monday.

“Enemies abroad will be watching closely and waiting for America to falter. Only our concrete and credible support can deter our adversaries in the future, and restore security,” he said.

McConnell tied aggression against Israel and Ukraine together, telling attendees: “Think of it as an axis of evil: China, Russia, and Iran. So this is not just a test for Ukraine. It is a test for the United States and for the free world. And the path toward greater security for all of us is simple: help Ukraine win the war.”

McConnell pushed back on the members of his own party who have argued against further aid for Ukraine.

“Some say our support for Ukraine comes at the expense of more important priorities. But as I say every time I’ve got the chance, this is a false choice,” he said. “If Russia prevails, there’s no question that Putin’s appetite for empire will actually extend into NATO, raising the threat to the U.S. trans-Atlantic alliance, and the risk of war for us.”