Congress of the United States = House of Representatives sarmatr tn ‘Washington, BE 20515 May 17, 2023 Secretary Antony Binken US. Department of state 2201 CStreet NW Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Secretary Blinken, Following your March 23, 2023 testimony at the Foreign Affairs Commitee, you discussed Ukraine's need for further US. financial assistance, in addition to the $113 billion the US. has already provided. As my colleagues and | consider annual appropriations bills, I would like you to provide your perspective on a clear mission for continued US. involvement in Ukraine, Congress must require 2 mission, a desired end state, and stronger ‘oversight before any additional funds are even contemplated, US. officals and the Department of State have provided many different theories regarding our Involvement in Ukraine. One perspective suggests that the United States aims to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine —to prevent the spread of war to NATO member countries. Another viewpoint asserts that the US. seeks to remove all Russian miltary presence from Ukraine, with many including Crimea. Some officals have even mentioned the possibilty of pursuing Russian regime change leading to war crimes tribunals, As the Secretary of State, ! need to understand whether these claims accurately reflect the State Department's goals, for America’s support for Ukraine - ori there are other objectives. Furthermore, repeated claims that Putin seeks military expansion across Eastern Europe (to restore much of the USSR) have comprised part ofthe premise for stopping Russia in Ukraine. Has Russia engaged in a decades- long military buildup to make that claim credible? As tensions between Ukraine and Russia persist, clearer understanding of the situation would greatly contribute to shaping policy decisions. ‘The American people and Congress have grown increasingly skeptical of US. involvement in Ukraine because of the Biden Administration’ failure to provide clear answers about the specific objectives. Without a clear mission, Congress cannot make informed policy decisions or hald executive officials responsible for achieving, ‘that mission. From my experience asa former Army Ranger, | know itis imperative we never walk into conflict blindly or without a defined and shared vision for success. You awe Congress and the American people this answer look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, lh Koco ‘Warren Davidson Member of Congress House Forelgn Affairs Committee nner