Beyond Russian Sanctions, Corker Calls For ‘Security Assistance’ In Ukraine

On Tuesday, Sen. Bob Corker spoke to business leaders at ESpaces in Cool Springs. He also met with groups in Murfreesboro and Nashville. On Wednesday, Corker will talk to Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce in Donelson, Mt. Juliet, Clarksville and Cookeville. Credit: Blake Farmer / WPLN

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker says the U.S. should do what it can to “crush” Russia economically and help rebuild Ukraine’s military.

As the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Corker met with Ukraine’s prime minister a few days ago. He says he was struck by just how minimal the military has become in the former Soviet country. Corker has bucked other members of his party and asked the White House to “explore direct security assistance.”

“They really are sitting there in a defenseless place. And I realize that raises eyebrows. I’m not talking about boots on the ground. I’m just talking about over the longer haul, really upgrading their abilities as a sovereign country.”

This week, Corker has been holding non-stop meetings with business and political groups around Tennessee. He says he’s been surprised at just how much interest there is in the dispute over Crimea – more than Syria, Iran or any other issue since he became the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee.