On the recordMay 17, 2022
well, as has since been reported in the news despite our efforts to keep word of our travel somewhat under wraps before it was accomplished, this last weekend, Senators Collins, Barrasso, and I had the honor of traveling to Ukraine with Senator McConnell on a trip where we visited not only President Zelenskyy in the Presidential palace but also visited two of what we hope will be the next members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, namely, Sweden and Finland. As we all know, it has been nearly 3 months now since Russia invaded Ukraine. There is no telling what President Putin expected. Perhaps he expected to be able to occupy Ukraine without firing a shot. But the fact is that the Ukrainians' spirit and will to defend their country remain unbroken and undaunted, and Putin's plans have failed and failed miserably. We saw this firsthand when we had a chance to visit Kyiv this weekend. Before the invasion, Kyiv was a cultural, religious, and economic hub for the great country of Ukraine. Despite being damaged by Russia's failed attempt to seize the city and occupy Ukraine, Kyiv still embodies the Ukrainian will to survive against all odds. When we were there, we met, of course, with President Zelenskyy and his advisers. They have done what I think we all hope we would do in the face of an unprovoked invasion, and that is to remain steadfast in dedication to your people and your country.…
Source
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