Durbin, Bipartisan Group Of Senators Host Speaker Of The Parliament Of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk

Durbin, Bipartisan Group Of Senators Host Speaker Of The Parliament Of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, along with a bipartisan group of Senators hosted the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, and Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Olha Stefanishyna. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 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) also attended. 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.

"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 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."

"In recent days, the brutality of Russia's ongoing attacks on civilian energy infrastructure has been put on full display," said 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."

"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," Grassley said.

"I, along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, remain in awe of the bravery of the Ukrainian people who are so effectively defending their homeland and their freedom against overwhelming odds," said Duckworth. "As Donald Trump continues to cowtow to Putin while weakening our national security, our meeting with Speaker Stefanchuk was an opportunity to underscore that there is wide bipartisan support in Congress for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's aggression. In the months and years ahead, we know we must follow Ukraine's lead as it fights to end Putin's war of choice and works to rebuild and recover in a way that is best for its people."

"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 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 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 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."

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), Roger Wicker (R-MS), 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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