Sen. Fischer welcomes new Russian sanctions but doubts effectiveness
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Moments before President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Russia, Sen. Deb Fischer expressed her doubts they would work.
“I believe that Putin’s goal is to reestablish the Soviet Union. It’s not a surprise that we’re seeing this. Putin told the world months ago that this was going to happen,” said Sen. Fischer.
But the senator remained hopeful.
“We started out with a somewhat soft response I believe but now President Biden is working with the G7. He’s working with our NATO allies in putting on stronger sanctions, the closing of the construction on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. That’s all going to be, I hope, effective in how we confront Russia on really this unheard-of aggression that we’re watching from them.”
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Fischer said she has been a part of a number of classified briefings. She said a briefing for senators with the Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of State and Treasury Secretary is planned for Thursday afternoon.
She said the Russian invasion of Ukraine will impact national security, energy markets and the economy in the U.S.
“I would suggest Nebraskans prepare themselves for a chaotic economy, fragile economy but it’s also important, I can’t stress this enough, it’s also important that we come together. We need to show strength. Putin responds in an aggressive manner, in a belligerent manner when he senses weakness. The United States is not weak. We are a strong country and we’re going to work with our allies in addressing this,” said the senator.
Fischer said she does not support U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine right now since they are not part of NATO but wants the U.S. supply the country with defensive weapons.
“There’s going to be anywhere from 1 million to 5 million refugees it’s being projected that are going to be moving into Poland. That’s why we have some troops in Poland to help with that,” she said.
The senator said that too will have an impact on Europe and the U.S.
