WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, led a bipartisan resolution recognizing the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The resolution reaffirms the Senate’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemns Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure and underscores the importance of strong, binding U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees to secure a just and lasting peace. Last week Senator Shaheen led a congressional delegation to the Munich Security Conference and then travelled to Odesa, Ukraine with Senators Whitehouse, Coons and Blumenthal in the first official CODEL to Odesa since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Along with Shaheen and Tillis, the resolution was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), John Curtis (R-UT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Jim Justice (R-WV).
The bipartisan resolution:
“As Russia’s brutal and illegal full-scale invasion enters its fourth year, this bipartisan resolution sends a clear message that the United States stands firmly with the Ukrainian people, but that more must be done to bring the war to a just end,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “I recently traveled to Ukraine and led the first congressional delegation to Odesa since the start of the invasion, where we saw firsthand the resilience and ingenuity of Ukrainians rebuilding under constant attack. Russia is not winning this war, reflected by Putin’s recent escalations by striking civilian infrastructure, targeting U.S. businesses and prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people. That’s why Congress must continue to support Ukraine and place real pressure on the Kremlin. That pressure must include sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet to cut off Putin's ability to fund the war and must be done in conjunction with our allies. For this war to have a just and lasting peace, we must also put in place comprehensive, ironclad security guarantees.”
“As we mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the United States must continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and work with our allies to ensure Russia is held accountable for its aggression,” said Senator Tillis. “This resolution underscores our bipartisan support for Ukraine’s freedom and independence and reaffirms our commitment to helping secure a durable and lasting peace.”
“For four years, the Ukrainian people have shown us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. Their involuntary war with Putin – and the resolve they have shown – offers the greatest example of how to fight back against authoritarian aggression. They have fulfilled a duty on the front lines that we will struggle to repay,” said Senator Bennet. “The United States must work with our allies to ensure continued military, intelligence, and economic support for Ukraine. Amid Putin’s intransigence and daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, Congress must also make Russia pay a further price for its aggression and clarify the U.S.’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve can the United States and our allies support Ukraine to negotiate a just and durable end to this unprovoked war and successfully defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace.”
“Four years ago, Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, thinking Russian forces would easily win in a matter of weeks. The Ukrainian people thought otherwise, repelling one of the world’s largest militaries and fearlessly defending their democratic nation. Putin’s tragic blunder only strengthened Ukraine’s resolve, expanded NATO, and further exposed his bankrupt regime and nostalgia for Soviet tyranny. Today, the United States Senate is reaffirming its continued support of Ukraine’s fight for freedom from Russian tyranny,” said Senator Durbin.
“Four years ago, Russia launched an inhumane and unprovoked attack against Ukraine, creating the largest war in Europe since World War II," said Senator Grassley. "I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to stand with Ukraine in the pursuit of peace, call for the return of abducted children and end the terrible bloodshed.”
“As we observe the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we remember all those who have died senselessly at the hands of Putin’s brutal war. America stands with the people of Ukraine as they continue to fight for their sovereignty," said Senator Daines.
“For four years, the Ukrainian people have fought against Putin’s murderous invasion with unstoppable bravery. As Ukrainians fight against Russian inhumanity and brutal destruction, we must match their courage with action. Putin will be stopped only through strength, including weapons and ammunition for Ukrainian forces, scorching sanctions, and ironclad security guarantees. We join the Ukrainian people in recognition that their fight is our fight, and as allies and partners in defense of democracy,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“Today marks four years since Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked assault on peaceful Ukraine, and allies and autocrats alike are watching how America will bring a just end to this war,” said Senator Whitehouse. “As Trump betrays our longtime alliances to help the murderous aggressor, I went to Kyiv and Odesa last week to reaffirm our support of the people of Ukraine. If Trump wants peace, he should repurpose frozen Russian funds for Ukraine and disrupt the shadow fleet that fills Putin’s war coffers.”
“The Ukrainian people have shown incredible resilience in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s heinous invasion. I’m disgusted by the Trump Administration’s refusal to hold Putin accountable,” said Senator Kaine. “The United States is safest when we stand with the free peoples of the world against those who would oppress them. As a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, I will continue to do all I can to support Ukraine and stand against totalitarian regimes.”
“Four years after Putin’s illegal invasion, Ukraine still stands—and democracies must remain united in standing with them,” said Senator Curtis. “This resolution reaffirms our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, rejects Russia’s brutal aggression, and underscores that any lasting peace must be backed by strong security guarantees.”
“After four years of Putin’s brutal war of choice, Russia is no closer to breaking the spirit of the Ukrainian people nor their will to fight for their sovereignty and freedom,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to join this resolution that underscores and reiterates the Senate’s strong bipartisan support for Ukraine and its people as they bravely fight back against Putin’s invasion. We will continue standing with them and condemning Putin’s aggression in Ukraine.”
“As Putin’s unjust war reaches its fifth year, the resolve of the Ukrainian people remains unbroken,” said Senator Moran. “The U.S. and our allies must stand firm in our commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and deterring Russia’s ongoing aggression until a just and lasting peace is achieved.”
“In the four years since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people have been bravely fighting to defend their country,” said Senator Rosen. “The United States must continue to stand with our ally as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal aggression, and we must ensure that Ukraine has a seat at the table in any negotiations regarding their future.”
“After Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine four years ago, I solemnly join my colleagues in remembering the innocent lives lost since,” said Senator Ernst. “This senseless bloodshed must end, and I remain committed to standing with the brave Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and holding Putin accountable for his bloody war.”
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
Ranking Member Shaheen has been a strong advocate for Ukraine in the U.S. Senate. Throughout her time in the Senate, she has pushed for stronger sanctions on Russia, including bipartisan legislation with Senator Risch targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and supported increased military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Senators Shaheen and Tillis are also co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, and they have worked to strengthen NATO and transatlantic coordination in support of Ukraine’s long-term security and sovereignty through those roles.
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