A delegation of U.S. senators made a historic visit to Odesa, Ukraine, marking the first trip to the city since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Coons, and Richard Blumenthal emphasized their unwavering bipartisan support for Ukraine during their visit.
The senators reiterated the urgent need for Congress to impose stricter sanctions on Russia and provide additional support to Ukraine to pressure President Vladimir Putin into negotiations. Shaheen stated that the Trump administration must take decisive action against Putin to secure a lasting peace for Ukraine.
During their time in Odesa, the delegation met with various stakeholders, including Ukrainian government officials, military personnel, border service representatives, and local leaders from religious and community organizations. They also engaged with American agricultural and logistics companies operating in the region.
“The path to peace requires constant pressure on Putin, not on Ukraine to concede its sovereignty. Every day that the Trump administration fails to take meaningful action, more innocent Ukrainians are dying. Trump should have long ago intensified sanctions against Russia and provided security assistance to Ukraine,” Shaheen remarked.
She further emphasized that if the President does not act decisively, Congress must step in. She mentioned her bipartisan bill aimed at combating Russia’s shadow fleet and its Chinese accomplices, which has garnered significant support in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is poised for a vote upon their return next week.
Blumenthal expressed that the visit reinforced his belief in the necessity of doubling down on support for Ukraine’s military efforts. He stated, “The false narrative that Russia is winning must be dispelled. Ukraine’s fight is our fight. They can win.”
Previously, Deputy Energy Minister of Ukraine Anatoliy Kutsiev and Senators Blumenthal and Whitehouse visited a thermal power plant in Kyiv that had been damaged by Russian attacks. During a press conference in Kyiv, Blumenthal remarked that Russia has opened a “hunt” on U.S. companies in Ukraine and insisted that the U.S. should provide more military assistance, as Putin shows no interest in ending the conflict.
A delegation of U.S. senators visited Odesa, Ukraine, to reaffirm bipartisan support for the country amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. They called for increased sanctions against Russia and more military aid for Ukraine.
Source: Європейська правда