Ernst on Russian construction on the border with Ukraine: ‘We must prepare for the worst’

Dens. Joni ErnstJoni Kay ErnstSunday shows preview: Several states detect case of omicron variant Biden selects former Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield for Iowa’s USDA post Biden has only 33 percent approval rating in Iowa poll MORE (R-Iowa) Sunday called on President BidenJoe BidenMarcus Garvey’s descendants urge Biden to pardon the civil rights leader posthumously. GOP struggles with chaotic primary election in Senate in Pennsylvania Trump launches social media receives pledge of billions from unidentified ‘diverse group’ of investors MORE to take a tougher stance on Russia in the midst of its increased military presence along the border with Ukraine, raising concerns about an impending invasion.

“It is difficult to know what Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinBiden, Putin will speak next week in the midst of military rearmament in Ukraine. US intelligence says Russia is planning Ukraine offensive involving 175,000 troops: reports Overnight Defense & National Security – US seeks to deter Russian invasion of Ukraine MORE thinking and what his true intentions are, but we see a very aggressive action on his part where he gathers his troops on the Ukrainian border. So we have to prepare for the worst without knowing what those intentions are, “Ernst told host Fox News Sunday. Chris WallaceChristopher (Chris) WallaceFauci appears on Fox Business Friday for rare interview on The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Trump’s pre-debate COVID-19 test triggers criticism Bret Baier confirms his ‘concerns’ over Tucker Carlson’s documentary on January 6 MORE.

“I think President Biden should be very clear and very strong and his message to Vladimir Putin,” Ernst added, saying she believes President Biden should tell Putin that he will not allow the Nord Stream 2 pipeline being completed.

Earlier this year, Biden said he would not call for blocking the pipeline, saying it would damage relations with key European allies.

According to Ernst, there are many U.S. senators who are prepared to go against the pipeline.

“I certainly can not speak for Parliament, Chris, but I believe there is a fusion around these types of actions in the US Senate. Democrats are worried, Republicans are worried, and what we do not want to do is allow President Putin to continue with the pipeline, especially as he may be preparing to invade Ukraine, “Ernst said.

“So we have to push back on that and I think there is a large group of US senators who will push Vladimir Putin back,” she added.

The Democratic American Sen. Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott MurphySunday shows preview: Several states detect case of omicron variant GOP blocks bill to extend gun background check after school shooting in Michigan Murphy criticizes anti-abortion lawmakers after school shooting in Michigan MORE (Conn.) Seemed to repeat some of Ernst’s feelings while appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” though he expressed hope that the upcoming virtual meeting between Biden and Putin would be “fruitful.”

“It is up to us in Congress to make it clear that we want to be diplomatic, political and military partners with Ukraine. We want to give them increased military systems so that they can defend themselves. And I hope we take steps in Congress in the next week to make it clear, “Murphy said.

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