Shaheen Statement Ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation and a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day tomorrow:
“The 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union comes at a particularly significant moment in history this year – six months since Russia’s unprovoked, further invasion of Ukraine. The unshakable resolve of Ukrainians to safeguard their independence and preserve their democratic future is admirable – this Independence Day should be a day of pride for Ukrainians around the world,” said Shaheen. “The Ukrainian people have inspired countless Americans with their resilient and determined spirit, and the U.S. proudly supports Ukrainians in the fight for their freedom amid Putin’s campaign of terror. Russia continues to escalate indiscriminate attacks on civilian towns and populations, exacerbating the humanitarian crises they have wrought – crimes for which Russian forces must be held accountable. Ukraine is on the frontlines of protecting not just their own sovereignty, but all liberal democracies around the world. The U.S. must continue to lead the international response to assist Ukraine’s fierce opposition to Putin’s tyranny. Today and always, Slava Ukraini.”
Senator Shaheen has led action in the Senate in support of Ukraine in response to Putin’s belligerence. In July, Senator Shaheen and Senator Romney introduced legislation that would require an interagency strategy toward the Black Sea region, which includes Ukraine. In March, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Shaheen that would ensure the U.S. undertakes coordinated efforts to collect and maintain evidence of war crimes and atrocities committed by Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. Recently, legislation co-led by Shaheen to speed up military assistance to Ukraine and Eastern European nations was signed into law. In February, Shaheen led a successful bipartisan effort with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) 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. 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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