Durbin, Wicker, Shaheen, Bipartisan Group Of Senators Host Ukrainian Prime Minister

Durbin, Wicker, Shaheen, Bipartisan Group Of Senators Host Ukrainian Prime Minister

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), both Co-Chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with a bipartisan group of Senators, today 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.

"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," Durbin said. "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," Wicker said.

"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 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."

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.

Last year, Durbin introduced legislation to prohibit the United States from recognizing the Russian Federation's claim of sovereignty over Crimea or any other forcibly seized Ukrainian territory, including any related airspace or territorial waters.

Durbin introduced the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the "Uniting for Ukraine" parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return. Bill text can be found here.

Durbin has also joined Shaheen, Thom Tillis (R-NC), Wicker, and others in leading a simple resolution that expresses continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condolences for the loss of thousands of lives to Russian aggression; rejects Russia's attempts to militarily seize sovereign Ukrainian territory; reaffirms U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine; and states unequivocally that Ukraine must be at the table for negotiations on its future.

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