Kelly Visits Ukraine as the Country Keeps Fighting Against Putin’s Illegal Invasion

Kelly visited a military hospital and met with Red Cross staff

He was briefed by Ukrainian military leaders and U.S. embassy officials

This is Kelly’s third visit to Ukraine; his most recent trip was in September 2023

To download photos, click here

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly returned from a visit to Ukraine as the country continues to defend itself against Putin’s illegal invasion. Kelly was briefed by U.S. embassy officials and Ukrainian military leaders, visited defense industry sites, heard from wounded service members, and met with the International Red Cross Committee. Kelly, a Navy combat pilot, also spent time with pilots who’ve flown combat missions defending from air attacks. This is Kelly’s third visit to Ukraine since 2023. He also traveled through Poland, where he met with U.S. military officials and service members.

“I visited Ukraine to show my support for the Ukrainian people. As always, I’m blown away by their resolve as they fight for their country in the face of Putin’s illegal invasion,” said Kelly. “I plan to bring what I’ve learned from Ukrainian leaders, service members, and the Ukrainian people back to Washington to share the direct impact our support has on the ground.”

Kelly continued, “One thing is clear: No one wants this war to end more than President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. But it has to end in a way that protects their sovereignty and security. The safety of Ukraine is tied to the safety of the United States, that’s why I stand with Ukraine.”

In his meetings with Deputy Minister of Defense Ivan Havryliuk and a Ukrainian security chief, Kelly asked about the impact on the ground of the U.S. pausing military aid and emphasized that he’s working with colleagues to reinstate support.

As hospitals continue to be a target in Russia’s war plan, Kelly visited a military hospital where he heard directly from wounded service members, doctors, and hospital staff. He met two nurses who have worked there since before the invasion began and shared with him stories of the war, including the violence faced by women and children by Russian soldiers.  

Here, Kelly also spoke with injured service members, some of whom talked about returning to the fight after they recover. One soldier Kelly talked to, Anton, lost his left arm and leg, right hand, and his vision to a drone attack.

Kelly concluded his time in Kiev visiting the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine where he laid flowers. Later, he spoke with aviation engineering students who volunteer their time to help innovate for Ukraine’s defense.

To download photos from the trip, click here.