Amid tensions with Russia, bipartisan Senate delegation travels to Ukraine to meet leaders
With the Biden administration and lawmakers becoming more and more concerned that Russia might be preparing to invade Ukraine, a seven-member delegation of U.S. senators traveled to Kyiv, where they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials on Monday.
"Our bipartisan congressional delegation sends a clear message to the global community: The United States stands in unwavering support of our Ukrainian partners to defend their sovereignty and in the face of persistent Russian aggression," Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) said. Her sentiment was echoed by Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who said that Ukraine is defending its "territorial integrity against an increasingly aggressive Russia while also striving to enact critical domestic reforms to solidify its democracy," making U.S. support "more important than ever."
Shaheen and Portman were joined in Kyiv by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). They met with Ukraine's interior, foreign, and defense ministers, their teams, and energy executives, with Murphy telling reporters the senators stressed that the U.S. will keep providing "the defensive weapons systems that they need."
Subscribe to 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.
Over the last year, Russia has been shifting its troops, and in the last several months an estimated 100,000 have made their way to the border near eastern Ukraine. The White House has warned that Russian operatives are now in eastern Ukraine, possibly preparing for a false-flag attack that would trigger an invasion by Russia. Moscow has said it has no intention of entering Ukraine, but wants the NATO alliance to stop expanding eastward.
Last week, Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would impose sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, several government and military officials, and banking institutions should an invasion take place.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Major League Baseball is facing an epidemic of pitcher's injuries
Under the Radar Many insiders are blaming the pitch clock for the rise in injuries — but the league is not so sure
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
8 movie musicals that prove the screen can share the stage
The Week Recommends The singing and dancing, bigger than life itself
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide
The Week Recommends A present for every mom
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'Can we — the people who have bought so much already — really keep buying more?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Chechnya in jeopardy: what would death of Ramzan Kadyrov mean for Putin?
Today's Big Question Strongman leader is 'terminally ill', stoking fears of armed conflict in the North Caucasus
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Russia gains as Ukraine awaits US aid
Speed Read Ukrainian forces have retreated from several villages as the situation at the front line worsens
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Haiti interim council, prime minister sworn in
Speed Read Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns amid surging gang violence
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine using covert US long-range missiles
Speed Read The weapons are part of a $1 billion Ukraine aid package
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Make legal immigration a more plausible option'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published