Schumer and McConnell promise to support Ukraine against 'illegal Russian invasion'


Prominent senators from both parties released a joint statement Tuesday expressing support for Ukraine and threatening Russia with severe consequences in the event of an invasion, CNN reported.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) both joined in the statement, as did Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), and Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
"In this dark hour, we are sending a bipartisan message of solidarity and resolve to the people of Ukraine, and an equally clear warning to [Russian President] Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin," the statement read.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It went on to urge the U.S. and NATO to "move quickly to ensure that the government of Ukraine receives sustained emergency assistance to defend against an illegal Russian invasion," which the statement described as the gravest threat the post-World War II international order has faced since the Cold War.
Despite this bipartisan show of support, the GOP remains divided on Ukraine. Establishment Republicans push for a hard line against Russia, while libertarians like Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and populists like Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) insist America has no dog in the fight.
President Biden said Tuesday that, despite Russia's announcement that it was pulling some troops off the Ukrainian border, an invasion "is still very much a possibility," USA Today reported.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Grayson Quay was the weekend editor at TheWeek.com. His writing has also been published in National Review, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Modern Age, The American Conservative, The Spectator World, and other outlets. Grayson earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019.
-
The pros and cons of having more than one credit card
Pros and Cons Having more than one card can offer financial benefits — but be careful of overspending
-
How to determine the right car for your needs
the explainer Assess your budget, driving habits and fuel costs
-
How to save on tickets to concerts and other events
The Explainer See your favorite artist without breaking the bank
-
Trump DOJ indicts New York AG Letitia James
Speed Read New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted as Trump’s Justice Department pursues charges against his political opponents
-
Judge blocks Trump’s Guard deployment in Chicago
Speed Read The president is temporarily blocked from federalizing the Illinois National Guard or deploying any Guard units in the state
-
Trump urges jail for Illinois, Chicago leaders
Speed Read The Texas National Guard begin operations in the Chicago area
-
Bondi stonewalls on Epstein, Comey in Senate face-off
Speed Read Attorney General Pam Bondi denied charges of using the Justice Department in service of Trump’s personal vendettas
-
Court allows Trump’s Texas troops to head to Chicago
Speed Read Trump is ‘using our service members as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities,’ said Gov. J.B. Pritzker
-
Government shuts down amid partisan deadlock
Feature As Democrats and Republicans clash over health care and spending, the shutdown leaves 750,000 federal workers in limbo
-
Judge bars Trump’s National Guard moves in Oregon
Speed Read In an emergency hearing, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops into Portland
-
Russia: already at war with Europe?
Talking Point As Kremlin begins ‘cranking up attacks’ on Ukraine’s European allies, questions about future action remain unanswered