Senators Shaheen, Menendez, Risch, Johnson Introduce Senate Resolution Commending Moldova’s Leadership in Supporting Ukrainian Refugees
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Jim Risch (R-ID) in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution commending Moldova for its extraordinary efforts in supporting Ukrainian refugees fleeing Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine and expressing support for Moldova’s sovereignty and ongoing reforms. In addition to encouraging Moldova’s continuation of pro-democracy and good governance reforms, the bipartisan resolution urges Europe to integrate Moldova and Ukraine further into its energy architecture.
“Moldova is punching above its weight in the humanitarian response to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, accepting more than 100,000 refugees fleeing the country. I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution encouraging the U.S. to provide Moldova with additional aid for their inspiring response in ensuring the safe passage of Ukrainian families into Europe,” said Senator Shaheen. “Putin has a delusional agenda to reform a Russian empire, which underscores a need for the U.S. and international community to stand by countries like Moldova and continue supporting ongoing efforts in the region.”
With more than 5 million Ukrainians forced to flee their country due to Russia’s invasion, the United Nations estimates almost 440,000 refugees entered Moldova since the conflict began—with more than 100,000 choosing to remain in Moldova. Despite its small size, the Moldovan government has quickly become a global leader in helping Ukrainian refugees since Putin launched his illegal invasion, creating “Green Corridors” to facilitate the crossing of refugees from Ukraine to Romania and other European countries.
A copy of the resolution is available here.
Shaheen, a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, leads action in the U.S. Senate in support of Ukraine in response to Vladimir Putin’s belligerence, which also threatens the stability and security of Eastern Europe and NATO allies. Shaheen recently led a bipartisan congressional delegation with Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to the Balkans to convey continued U.S. support for its allies amid Russian aggression against Ukraine and the implications for European security in the region. In addition, legislation co-led by Shaheen to speed up military assistance to Ukraine and Eastern European nations cleared Congress and will soon be signed into law. In April, Shaheen and members of the Senate Ukraine Caucus met with Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, and members of the Ukrainian Parliament. In February, Shaheen led a successful bipartisan effort with Portman to pass a resolution that conveys a renewed and overwhelmingly bipartisan message from the U.S. Senate in fierce support of Ukraine. Earlier this year, Shaheen and Portman led a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine, where they met with President Zelenskyy and members of his administration. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she supported the inclusion of $13.6 billion in security assistance that was part of government funding legislation signed into law by President Biden. Before the Shaheen-Portman congressional delegation visit to Ukraine in January, Shaheen led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, last June.
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