U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis addressed the Senate floor to discuss their recent visit to Ukraine. The bipartisan delegation aimed to assess the situation on the ground amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Senator Shaheen expressed skepticism about Vladimir Putin’s intentions for peace, stating, “If he really wants peace, nothing is stopping him from calling off those missile and drone attacks.”
The senators highlighted the impact of the U.S. foreign aid freeze in Ukraine and Poland. They emphasized the strategic importance of continued support for Ukraine, warning against granting Russia or China free reign that could affect U.S. security.
Shaheen described visiting a children’s hospital targeted by Russian forces and noted Ukrainian resilience in adapting battlefield equipment with innovations like robotic mobile firing teams. “Ukrainians have developed robotic mobile firing teams,” she stated, showcasing their ingenuity in defense efforts.
Senator Tillis shared concerns over diminishing trust among allies due to halted aid: “American flags are coming down in Poland… The people that we spoke to said that their trust has been broken.”
The visit included stops at key sites such as Bucha, where mass graves were found after Russian occupation. Shaheen stressed accountability for these actions: “Vladimir Putin is responsible for this… He’s got to be held accountable.”
Both senators underscored bipartisan congressional support for Ukraine, advocating for using seized Russian assets to aid reconstruction efforts and unfreezing aid waivers.
“Thousands of Ukrainians have given their lives in the fight for a sovereign Ukraine,” Shaheen concluded, emphasizing the global stakes involved in supporting Ukrainian democracy.
