In Ukraine, Senators See War’s Impact and Press for Stronger U.S. Support

A group of Senate Democrats visited Kyiv and the port city of Odessa to show solidarity and to witness how Russia’s war has damaged civilian lifelines. They arrived during the coldest winter since the full-scale invasion and noted that heating, electricity and water have been repeatedly targeted, turning winter itself into a weapon.

“You see immediately that this is not a frozen conflict for Ukranians,” Senator Jeanne Shaheen said. Senators Chris Coons, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse and Ms. Shaheen pressed for increased U.S. action, including tougher sanctions on Russia and more military aid.

“The path to lasting peace runs through sustained pressure on Vladimir Putin,” Ms. Shaheen said, and she added she was seeing “growing bipartisan recognition that Putin is intent on just waiting us out.” The night before the delegation arrived in Odessa, Russia launched more than two dozen missiles at the city; while most were intercepted, several struck power plants and residential areas.

Ukraine, Kyiv, Odessa

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