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U.S. Senators Visit Ukraine, Reaffirm Commitment to Support
In a significant bipartisan gesture, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) recently visited Ukraine, as highlighted on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s website.
The delegation concluded their trip to Kyiv on Monday, during which they also toured Bucha, a suburb that became synonymous with the horrors of the early weeks of Russia’s invasion in 2022, where numerous atrocities were reported.
Senator Shaheen, who serves as the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, noted the importance of their visit, stating, “Our delegation saw firsthand how Ukraine is holding the Russian military at bay at the gates of Europe.”
She emphasized the urgency of American support, advocating for an end to what she described as a “self-imposed blockade” on U.S. assistance. Shaheen called for robust security guarantees for Ukraine, the imposition of additional sanctions to exploit Russia’s economic difficulties, and accountability for President Vladimir Putin regarding the crimes committed against Ukrainian civilians.
Amid ongoing conflicts, discussions are expected to occur between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, aimed at finding a potential resolution to the war in Ukraine, indicating an attempt by former President Trump to facilitate peace.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine also provided insights into the situation, suggesting that intelligence reports indicate preparations by Putin for possible military actions in Belarus, warning of the necessity for NATO to remain strong.
Senator Tillis reflected on the significance of their visit, emphasizing, “It’s clear that we must focus on securing a long-term peace agreement to end this war and ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty is respected.” He reiterated the essential role of U.S. support in equipping Ukraine to defend itself and to engage in negotiations from a position of strength.
The senators’ visit underscores a united front in U.S. support for Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing commitment to assist in its defense against Russian aggression and to promote stability in the region.
Source
thehill.com