John McCain: 'In 2017, we will defeat the invaders' (VIDEO) - Jan. 02, 2017

John McCain: ‘In 2017, we will defeat the invaders’ (VIDEO)

Published Jan. 2, 2017. Updated Jan. 2 at 12:58 pm

A handout photo released by the Ukrainian Presidential press service shows Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (R) presenting the Ukrainian award weapon to the Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, US Senator John McCain (L) during their working trip to the Donetsk region to congratulate the Ukrainian marines on the upcoming New Year in Shyrokine village on December 31, 2016. The President together with the delegation of the US Senators visited the frontline positions of the Ukrainian Naval Forces of Ukraine, which holds the defense line in Shyrokyne.

Photo by AFP

Editor’s Note: The following is a video and transcript of U.S. Sen. John McCain’s remarks in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Dec. 31.

U.S. Sen. John McCain’s remarks to Ukrainian troops in Mariupol on Dec. 31.

TRANSCRIPT:

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you dear Ukrainian friends, especially those are serving in uniform away from their homes and their families, serving this nation. And to the wounded and to those families of those who have already sacrificed — our thanks, our gratitude, our prayers. We will never ever forget you.

What I have seen is cooperation between our two countries so that Ukraine can have a safe and secure border, which is the right of every nation. Our message tonight is that in 2017, we will defeat the invaders and send them back where they came from. And to Vladimir Putin, you will never defeat the Ukrainian people and deprive them of their independence and freedom. I thank all of you for your service. I send the message from the American people: We are with you, your fight is our fight, and we will win together.”