CNN Newsroom: Interview with Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)

Interview

"Look, I think it's important we continue to provide support for Ukraine and their counteroffensive. They have made slow but steady progress.

Unlike last summer where they made great big breakouts and took back significant pieces of territory. This summer they have been fighting against entrenched Russian forces who had months to lay mine fields, to build trench systems in depth.

We didn't anticipate they were going to breakthrough and make very rapid advances. In fact, many military experts with whom I have spoken say there's still a good chance that the counteroffensive will pick up steam.

They have gotten training. They have gotten new equipment, they have gotten resources, but frankly most importantly, they have the will to fight.

They are determined to take back their country from the Russian invaders and occupiers, even though they are taking very heavy losses on the battlefield.

And when Congress returns to session next month, I think it's particularly important that we show our ongoing support for them by taking up and passing the supplemental appropriations request President Biden submitted to Congress just a few weeks ago.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Well, it's important to remind your viewers that our NATO allies and other partners around the world, more than 40 countries have provided as much support for Ukraine -- for Ukraine militarily, economically and by welcoming in millions of Ukrainian refugees. They have provided as much support as has the United States.

But to answer your question in meetings in London and here in Dublin, and in other meetings I have been in throughout Europe and the rest of world over the last year and a half, virtually every one of our partners, friends and allies thank the United States for our leading role in pulling together NATO and our global partners in support of the Ukrainians.

I think this says, in many ways has been President Biden's strongest, most effective moment of global leadership. But the, in the next breath, express grave concern that if former president Trump were to return to the White House, that we would step back from supporting Ukraine's fight and that we might make some significant mistakes that would harm our alliances and weaken our reputation in the world. So it is widely a topic of concern. I'm a part of a bipartisan and bicameral delegation, that means members of the House and Senate, Republican and Democrat. One group came over and visited Northern Ireland. Another group that I was a part of visited London. And then all of us met up here together this weekend for a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Northern Ireland Peace Agreement.

I actually last night over dinner got to meet one of the former leaders of Ireland, the Taoiseach who helped negotiate those accords.

In all of the celebrations we've been a part of here, there is a recognition that Senator George Mitchell of the United States, President Bill Clinton and leaders of both parties over a long period of time contributed to bringing to an end the troubles in Northern Ireland.

We have an excellent special envoy for Northern Ireland now, Joe Kennedy. And we have a role to play in helping move forward the positive progress that's been made in the Republic of Ireland and in the North of Ireland, in Northern Ireland. And it's my hope that we will see positive progress made in (INAUDIBLE) reconstituted.

But there are some concerning developments in the parliament in the United Kingdom and some unresolved questions that we need to address.

So I'm glad I was a part of this bipartisan group. I'll return to Washington more determined than ever to play a constructive role in the path forward for the Irish people, the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Me personally, yes I do.

But that's not based on any classified briefing. President Biden has said publicly that we don't know for sure, but he would not be at all surprised.

It was two months to the day from Wagner's brief rebellion and the top leaders -- all three top leaders of Wagner were on board. Awfully convenient for Putin, who is trying to bring Wagner to heel and to continue his long practice of undermining attacking or assassinating his critics and opponents both at home and abroad.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

And he's reducing the cost to your average American family is facing by implementing the prescription drug price reductions of the Inflation Reduction Act, by investing in American manufacturing and the transition to a clean energy economy.

That's the thing that President Biden should be focused on. I think it's appropriate for others of us who are in politics to comment on the former president, his striking mug shot and, frankly, the very unsettling ways in which he's taking his mug shot and turning it into a fund-raising vehicle for his reelection campaign.

But President Biden's focused on the things your average American worries about -- the costs their facing, growing jobs, keeping us safer and stronger here at home and strengthening our alliances around the world.

That's what I think he should be doing and leaving the rest to the commentators, like you and me.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Thank you.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT"

Source