Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a call yesterday with a bipartisan group of Members of Congress concerning the U.S. position in light of Donald Trump’s disgraceful waiver of sanctions against Russia.

Following the conversation, Representatives Gregory Meeks, Adam Smith and Jim Himes issued a joint statement that bears repeating:

“The United States Congress stands strongly and unequivocally with Ukraine. Russia’s continued campaign of war crimes and its slaughtering of innocent civilians, aided by the Trump Administration’s pro-Putin agenda, demands urgent and forceful action from Congress to reaffirm that support.

“While Donald Trump has made clear that he is abandoning Ukraine in favor of Putin, we remain committed to working urgently with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation to compel the Trump Administration to deliver to Ukraine the security, economic, and intelligence support it needs to defend its people from Putin’s brutal and illegal invasion. We are also committed to working together to advance legislation to fix the Graham Act and prevent President Trump from unilaterally importing Russian energy and undermining U.S. national security interests.

“The Trump Administration has shown it cannot be trusted to do the right thing in support of Ukraine. Sapping Ukraine’s ability to defend itself will not result in a just and durable peace and is therefore both immoral and counter to the interests of the United States and our partners and allies. Congress must act and do what this administration refuses to do: Stand up for Ukraine, defend America’s interests, and make clear that autocratic aggression will not be rewarded.”

Thank you, Congressmen, for standing up — not only for Ukraine — but for the honor of the United States as well. Thank you for doing the right thing, and not caving in to the evil forces that threaten our democracy. And thank you for proceeding despite the Speaker’s forced recess.

The world looks forward to seeing your words translated into action.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/20/26