Stephen Lynch Part of Congressional Delegation to Ukraine

Congressman Stephen Lynch is part of a bipartisan congressional delegation mission this week that includes stops in Ukraine and Israel.

Lynch (D-MA), along with U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) will meet with government officials, military personnel, and civil society members in both countries.

Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is leading the delegation.

"In these dangerous times, it’s more important than ever that the U.S. reinforce relationships with our allies and key partners," Ayotte said. "The challenges facing Ukraine and Israel have far-reaching consequences for our national security and peace in the world, and hearing directly from leaders there will inform my work in the Senate."

The Ukraine visit comes in the wake of Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea, an act that Ayotte has strongly condemned as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law. She has called for tougher economic and diplomatic sanctions on Russia and increased U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

Ayotte’s visit to Israel comes in the midst of negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, as well as ongoing negotiations focused on ending Iran’s nuclear weapons program – a topic she is set to discuss with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.