A group of US senators from the Democratic and Republican parties issued a joint statement strongly condemning Russia’s massive attacks on Ukrainian cities on Christmas Day, when millions of Christians celebrate the birth of Christ.
The statement was signed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, New Hampshire), Tom Tillis (Republican, North Carolina), Jacky Rosen (Democrat, Nevada), John Barrasso (Republican, Wyoming), Chris Coons (Democrat, Delaware), Angus King (Independent, Maine), Jerry Moran (Republican, Kansas), Jeff Merkley (Democrat, Oregon), and Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, Maryland).
“We condemn Russia’s brutal attacks on Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kryvyi Rih, targeting innocent Ukrainians who were preparing to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace with their loved ones and in prayer,” reads a statement published on the website of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The senators emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to a Christmas truce, but Vladimir Putin refused, ordering instead to continue the attacks on one of Christianity’s holiest days. “Putin’s decision today to launch attacks rather than cease fire is a stark reminder to us all: Putin is a ruthless killer who is not interested in peace and cannot be trusted,” the lawmakers said.
They also expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people: “We stand with the residents of Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Donetsk, who are celebrating the birth of Christ in the most difficult circumstances. The faith of Ukrainians is stronger than the evil unleashed by the Kremlin today.”
The senators’ statement was in response to massive Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine on December 25, which resulted in civilian deaths, injuries, and power outages in several regions. It highlights the rare bipartisan unity in the US Congress in support of Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.