WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Democratic Whip and Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, Ron Johnson (R-WI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) hosted the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, and Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Olha Stefanishyna. During the meeting, they discussed the ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia and President Putin's continued assaults on Ukraine's power grid despite agreeing with President Trump to halt such attacks during negotiations.

"In recent days, the brutality of Russia's ongoing attacks on civilian energy infrastructure has been put on full display," said Senator Shaheen. "Despite Russia's craven tactics, Ukraine's brave defenders continue to hold the line. At today's meeting with Speaker Stefanchuk, I reiterated my commitment to advancing my bipartisan legislation to tighten sanctions on Russia - including its shadow fleet - to hold China accountable for enabling Putin's war and to strengthen Ukraine's defense. It's high time that Congress take these steps to put Ukraine in the best possible negotiating position against Russia so that Putin's war may finally be brought to a just and lasting end."

"The depths of Vladimir Putin's evil knows no bounds, and we heard directly from Mr. Stefanchuk today about the millions of Ukrainians suffering amid Russia's attacks on the power grid in the dead of winter," said Senator Durbin. "As reports have emerged that peace talks have stalled, now more than ever, we need to work in Congress to support our Ukrainian ally."
"Putin's ruthless invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest land war in Europe since World War II. By helping Ukraine in the face of this onslaught, we're not just standing with our ally, we're supporting American security and American values. I appreciate Speaker Stefanchuk coming to Washington to meet with leaders about the situation on the ground and discuss what can be done to achieve a stable, meaningful and lasting peace," Senator Grassley said.

"Our conversation with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Stefanchuk today was marked by unity and clarity. It was devastating to hear about Putin's heartless attacks on Ukrainian civilians-thousands of killer drones have destroyed homes, schools, and power plants in the middle of winter," said Senator Welch. "Ukraine's resilient democracy is on the front lines of the free world. I will continue to work with President Trump and our European allies to ensure Ukraine has the tools they need to defend their sovereignty."

"Amid Putin's intransigence at the negotiating table and his continued daily attacks on civilians across Ukraine, the Ukrainian people remind us every day what it looks like to fight and die for democracy, for their country, and for the West. I was glad to see Chairman Stefanchuk again today to reaffirm Congressional support for continued and robust U.S. military, intelligence, and economic support for Ukraine," said Senator Bennet. "Even as diplomacy plays out, Russia must pay a further price for its continued aggression. Congress must also ratify and clarify the United States' long-term commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and security - an effort I look forward to helping lead with my bipartisan colleagues. Only by demonstrating our firm resolve and by strengthening cooperation with our allies can the United States secure our vital interests in Europe, and defend the principle of a Europe whole, free, and at peace."

"Chairman Stefanchuk and the Ukrainian people have set a high standard of bravery in the face of Putin's vicious attacks," said Senator Whitehouse. "While our own country's president frequently takes the side of the murderous Russian despot, a bipartisan group of senators welcomed Chairman Stefanchuk to the Capitol. We stand firm in our commitment to supporting Ukrainians until this war ends with their victory."

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