Ranking Member Shaheen, Senator Tillis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, led a bipartisan resolution celebrating the 35th anniversary of the independence of Ukraine from the former Soviet Union.

The resolution reaffirms the Senate’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, honors the courage of the Ukrainian people and the thousands who have lost their lives defending their country and condemns Russia’s illegal invasion and continued aggression. It also underscores the importance of strong U.S. and transatlantic support for Ukraine, emphasizes the necessity of security guarantees to secure a just and lasting peace and encourages continued U.S. diplomatic leadership toward that goal.

Along with Shaheen and Tillis, the resolution was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Gary Peters (D-MI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Todd Young (R-IN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).

The bipartisan resolution:

Celebrates 35 years of Ukrainian independence and honors the courage of the Ukrainian people, including the more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians and many servicemembers killed since Russia’s 2022 invasion;
Condemns Russia’s illegal invasion and occupation of Ukraine, and reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty within its recognized 1991 borders;
Supports continued U.S. diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace, including a strong security guarantee for Ukraine;
Urges the U.S. and the Department of Defense to learn from Ukraine’s advances in drone warfare and defense innovation to strengthen American military readiness; and
Calls on Ukraine to keep pursuing reforms to fight corruption and strengthen its democracy.

“Thirty-five years ago, the Ukrainian people declared their independence, and today they are fighting to defend it,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “From the Orange Revolution to the Revolution of Dignity, Ukrainians have repeatedly proven that they will not be ruled by force, and this resolution honors that courage and resolve. As we mark this anniversary, the Senate is sending a clear, bipartisan message: the United States stands in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, and we solemnly remember the thousands of Ukrainians who have given their lives in the struggle against Russia’s illegal invasion. Lasting peace in Ukraine requires strong, binding U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees. That is what this resolution calls for, and that is what the Ukrainian people deserve.”

“As Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence, the United States and our NATO allies must reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their sovereignty against Vladimir Putin’s illegal and unprovoked war,” said Senator Tillis. “The Ukrainian people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and courage in the face of Russia’s brutal aggression. This resolution honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their freedom and independence. Congress must continue working alongside our NATO allies to ensure Ukraine has the support it needs to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

Ranking Member Shaheen has been a strong advocate for Ukraine in the U.S. Senate. Throughout her time in the Senate, she has pushed for stronger sanctions on Russia, including her leadership in achieving the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act to cut off the revenue funding Putin’s war machine. In February, Senator Shaheen also led the first congressional delegation to Odesa since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

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