Key facts
- Senator James Lankford attended Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast.
- Lankford could not promise legislative action on sanctions against Russia.
- Lankford praised Ukraine's military prowess, especially in drone technology.
- Lankford suggested CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow could be productive.
- White House Faith Office special assistant Dave Donaldson also visited Ukraine.
Senator James Lankford, a Baptist minister, attended Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, where he expressed admiration for the nation's military advancements, particularly in drone warfare, stating they are "ahead of every other military in the world." However, Lankford offered no promises regarding legislative action on sanctions against Russia. He noted that while he was not optimistic about a Russia-Ukraine deal, CIA Director John Ratcliffe's reported visit to Moscow could be productive, emphasizing the need for ongoing conversations. "Things don’t get better by not talking," Lankford said. "But right now, Russia doesn’t seem to be focused on trying to solve anything." Also present at the breakfast were former Vice President Mike Pence and former special envoy Keith Kellogg. Separately, Dave Donaldson, a special assistant at the White House Faith Office, visited Ukraine over the weekend. Senator Richard Blumenthal also posted a video from Kyiv, stating that the U.S. stands with Ukraine "in prayer & faith, but also in action."