Portman, Shaheen, Blumenthal, Cramer, Klobuchar, Murphy, & Wicker Travel to Ukraine on Bipartisan CODEL

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced they are travelling to Ukraine this week to meet with President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials to reaffirm the U.S.' commitment to Ukraine, which continues to face an increasingly belligerent Russia. They will meet with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as other Ukraine officials later today.

"I am proud to join my colleagues on this important trip to Ukraine," said Portman. "Ukraine continues to defend its territorial integrity against an increasingly aggressive Russia, while also striving to enact critical domestic reforms to solidify its democracy -- it is more important than ever that the U.S. support Ukraine in its efforts. I look forward to reaffirming this commitment during our upcoming discussions with senior Ukrainian officials."

"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," said Shaheen. "I'm proud to lead lawmakers on behalf of the United States to further our commitment to our Ukrainian partners in support of their NATO aspirations and look forward to strengthening our transatlantic bonds as they chart a prosperous, pro-democratic future."

"I am proud to join this bipartisan group of senators reaffirming the United States' unwavering, unstinting commitment to Ukraine. I look forward to meeting directly with Ukraine's President and senior leadership to learn firsthand the state of their military preparedness in the face of Russian aggression -- and to understand what further support they may need to more decisively deter and defend against Russian invasion. Russia's recent cyberattacks show the need for strong action now: greater military assistance, severe sanctions, and cooperation with NATO allies. In this urgent, historic moment we must show, through deed as well as word, that we stand strong with the people of Ukraine in defending against brazen, craven Russian aggression-- a message that we will deliver together face to face," said Blumenthal.

"Russia continues to challenge Ukraine's sovereignty, democratic values, and way of life. This is unacceptable and we must reaffirm our commitment to the Ukrainians in the face of this aggression," said Cramer. "Our bipartisan delegation demonstrates to Vladimir Putin the United States' resolve and sends the message we stand with Ukraine."

"During this time of extreme Russian provocation, it is more important than ever to assert our strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine's sovereignty. I look forward to meeting with political and military leaders in Ukraine to better understand the situation on the ground and reaffirm our commitment to their security," said Klobuchar.

"Ukraine, Russia and Europe need to see that Republicans and Democrats are to stand together to defend Ukraine in the face of a threatened Russian invasion. This will be my seventh trip to Ukraine as a Senator, and I look forward to reconnecting with President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials to complement the administration's diplomatic work and protect U.S. national security interests," said Murphy.

"Ukraine is on the embattled frontier of the free world. This sovereign country deserves the steadfast support of its American friends during this dangerous and pivotal time," Wicker said. "I am proud to join my Senate colleagues on this bipartisan delegation in the face of Vladimir Putin's shameful aggression. I look forward to meeting with President Zelenskyy and other senior Ukrainian officials."