ITHACA, NY (WSKG) — Southern Tier Rep. Tom Reed said he wants more humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine. He said that could also include a deployment of American troops.
Reed said he hopes a deployment can be avoided, but he’s open to all military assistance, including sending troops to Ukraine. President Joe Biden has said he won't send American soldiers to the country.
Reed praised Biden’s decision to station U.S. troops near Ukraine as part of a larger NATO operation. Within that force are some 200 soldiers based out of Fort Drum.
"Through that strong military posture, plus the economic sanctions — and my hope is the energy sanctions will be further raised — we will achieve what we all want here. And that is peace," Reed said.
But so far, the energy sanctions Reed mentioned are few and far between. Though some oil companies have cut ties, Russian oil is still flowing to many countries, particularly in Europe.
Reed said American fossil fuel production will become even more important given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russian oil accounts for over 10% of global supply.
"The turning of our own back against our own precious natural resources here in America of oil and natural gas is just completely asinine," Reed said.
Reed attributed current high fuel prices to Biden's environmental policies and said the president had given iSouthern Tier Congressman Tom Reed said he wants more humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine, which could include a deployment of American troops.n to the more progressive wing of his party.