WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Co-Chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and a bipartisan group of Senators, hosted Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. Her visit comes as Russia’s war on Ukraine enters its fifth year with little sign of resolution. During the meeting, the group discussed the importance of continued U.S. and allied support for Ukraine as well as the need for renewed efforts at peace talks. The meeting took place the morning after one of Russia’s biggest assaults on Ukraine this year — one which killed 18 people, including a child, and injured more than 100.
“It was an honor to meet with Prime Minister Svyrydenko, and I’m glad to see the strong bipartisan show of support for Ukraine at this meeting today,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “This meeting unfortunately comes in the wake of Russia’s most brutal attack on Ukrainian civilians so far this year last night and the urgency of this moment for the people of Ukraine is clear. Now is the time for the Trump Administration to place further pressure on Putin to end this conflict.”
“Last night, Ukraine saw again that Vladimir Putin’s evil knows no bounds as he directed the deadliest attack Ukraine has seen this year, claiming the life of nearly 20 people, including an innocent 12-year-old boy,” said Senator Durbin. “Today, I told Prime Minister Svyrydenko that I stand with Ukraine and Congress must show its support for our Ukrainian ally. It’s time for President Trump to tell his friend Putin that enough is enough.”
“I greatly appreciate Prime Minister Svyrydenko providing an update on her country’s efforts to defend their homeland. It is clear that Putin’s military failures and recklessness in this unprovoked war have been met with resolve and innovation from the Ukrainian people. The United States must remain firm in our support for the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. We can and should continue to provide military aid to Ukraine and impose increased sanctions on Russia,” said Senator Wicker.
Additional members joining today’s meeting were U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
Photos of the meeting are available here.
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