On the recordFebruary 27, 2023
Madam President, last week, Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine hit the 1-year mark--1 year of death and destruction across Ukraine, 1 year of lives and gaslighting from the Russian Government and its paid-off cronies, 1 year of atrocious war crimes committed against innocent people. It has been an unimaginable year of hardship for the Ukrainian people, and it has ushered in a period of global unity not seen in a generation. One year ago, democracies around the world united in support of the Ukrainian people. The United States and our allies condemned President Putin's unwarranted invasion and took decisive action to help the Ukrainians shape the outcome of this war: sanctions against Russia, military aid for Ukraine, humanitarian assistance for the innocent people who are bearing the true cost of Russia's brutality. It has been a difficult year fueled by both victories and setbacks, but I remain confident and inspired by the courage and the capabilities of the Ukrainian people. At the start of this war, no one expected Ukraine to keep up the fight as long as it has lasted. They were outmanned, outgunned; and it seemed like a matter of when Ukraine would be defeated, not if. Over the last 12 months, though, we have witnessed heroic strength and fortitude by the Ukrainian forces and civilians. We have seen a series of setbacks by the Russian Army which was once thought to be among the most capable in the world.…





