Ranking Member Shaheen, Senators Tillis and Bennet Visit Ukraine in Bipartisan Show of Support

KYIV—Today, ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) concluded a bipartisan delegation visit to Kyiv, Ukraine. The delegation visited Ukrenergo, the state-owned electricity transmission system operator which remains a top target of Vladimir Putin, and the town of Bucha to pay respects to civilians murdered and tortured by Russian forces during occupation in 2022. The group also met with civil society representatives responsible for documenting war crimes, assisting civilians, and returning kidnapped children to Ukraine, including the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, the Center for Civil Liberties, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) as well as Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk. In addition, the delegation visited the Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, which was struck by a Russian missile in July, and the residential site of the New Year’s drone attack in central Kyiv. 

“Our delegation saw firsthand how Ukraine is holding the Russian military at bay at the gates of Europe,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “Bolstering Ukraine’s leverage in this critical time means ending the self-imposed blockade of U.S. assistance, ensuring lasting security guarantees for Ukraine, taking advantage of Russia’s near economic collapse by imposing more sanctions and holding Vladimir Putin to account for the atrocities he has committed against humanity. War criminal Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted, and Ukraine, whose people have sacrificed so much, must have a place at its own negotiating table, backed by both Europe and the U.S. I am grateful to Chairman Stefanchuk for the opportunity to coordinate positions – and I am grateful to my Senate colleagues who joined me on this trip to once again show that U.S. support for Ukraine endures. Slava Ukraini!” 

“Our delegation’s visit to Ukraine was a stark reminder of the bravery of the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia’s unprovoked invasion,” said Senator Tillis. “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. To do that, the U.S. must continue supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and enable them to negotiate from a position of strength. It’s now time for all parties, including Ukraine, to come together to negotiate a resolution that brings an end to the suffering, stabilizes the region, and restores deterrence against any future threats to America, our Allies, and Partners.” 

“For nearly three years, the Ukrainian people have fought bravely against Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked aggression, reminding us what it looks like to fight and die for democracy. Yet the Trump Administration’s shortsighted policies – such as freezing foreign assistance, calling for Russia’s readmission to the G7, and planning U.S.-Russia peace talks without Ukraine – will embolden Putin,” said Senator Bennet. “The United States must remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine and ensure it has a place at the negotiating table, for the sake of the Ukrainian people, U.S. national security, and democracy around the world. Backing Ukraine today is our best preparation for and best deterrence against authoritarian aggression tomorrow.”

More on Ranking Member Shaheen’s bipartisan delegation to Kyiv, Ukraine below:

Senators Shaheen, Bennet and Tillis were welcomed to the U.S. Embassy by Ambassador Bridget Brink.

Senators Shaheen, Bennet and Tillis visited St. Andrew's Orthodox Church in Bucha, Ukraine and paid tribute to the victims of the Bucha massacre.

Senators Shaheen, Bennet and Tillis visited Ukrenergo, the state-owned electricity transmission system operator and met with the Ukrainian operators of the State Department supported “mobile operating team.”

Senators Shaheen, Bennet and Tillis and Ambassador Brink met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Senators Shaheen, Bennet and Tillis met with representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to discuss the drone attack on residences in central Kyiv.

Senators Shaheen, Bennet and Tillis visited Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Senators Shaheen, Bennet and Tillis hosted a press conference to conclude their delegation and reaffirm their bipartisan support for Ukraine.

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