Portman, Durbin Praise Senate Passage of Bipartisan Amendment to FY 2021 NDAA Welcoming Ukraine Into the NATO Enhanced Opportunity Partnership Program

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), co-chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, applauded the Senate passage of their bipartisan amendment to the FY 2021 Nation Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to congratulate Ukraine on their acceptance into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Enhanced Opportunity Partnership program. The North Atlantic Council voted on June 12, 2020 to recognize Ukraine into the EOP program, joining Australia, Finland, Sweden, Georgia, and Jordan. This acceptance is a crucial step towards Ukraine achieving full NATO membership and will ensure Ukraine can maintain and deepen cooperation with NATO Allies and Partners. This partnership was granted in recognition of Ukraine's continued dedication to defense reform and their contribution to Allied operations, including Afghanistan and Kosovo as well as NATO Response Force and NATO exercises. It will provide Ukraine with enhanced access to interoperability programs and exercises to increase their capabilities and ability to operate with NATO partners. This legislation will need to be conferenced with the version passed by the House of Representatives.

"I applaud the Senate for passing this bipartisan amendment recognizing that the North Atlantic Council has accepted Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner," said Portman. "Ukraine's status as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner is a recognition of the tremendous sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the Ukrainian armed forces in support of NATO operations and the dedication of the Ukrainian government to continue to make serious structural military reforms. I strongly support Ukraine's NATO integration and eventual full partnership and I will continue to advocate on their behalf."

"In the face of continued Russian aggression in the region and repeated assaults on the sovereignty of its borders, Ukraine needs steadfast allies and partners in the NATO nations," Durbin said. "I am pleased that the U.S. Senate has passed this bipartisan amendment to welcome NATO's recognition of Ukraine as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner."

Source