Ernst, Portman cosponsor bipartisan resolution supporting an independent Ukraine

U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce a resolution calling for America’s support against any further Russian military invasion of an independent and democratic Ukraine. 

“Keeping America safe at home means standing with our friends and partners in the fight against authoritarianism and those who mean to do us harm, like Vladimir Putin,” Sen. Ernst said on Dec. 21. “As a key partner to our nation, the United States must continue to support the Ukrainian people and their democratic government.” 

Senate Resolution (S. Res.) 480, sponsored on Dec. 16 by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), comes as Russian forces continue to build up along the Ukrainian border, increasing  tensions and concerns that Russia is planning a military offensive against the nation, according to Sen. Ernst, a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus.

“This bipartisan effort makes it clear to Vladimir Putin that America is watching — and calls on the Biden administration to take necessary steps to provide aid to Ukraine, protect its sovereignty, and prioritize America’s national security interests,” said Sen. Ernst, who is among 13 original cosponsors of the resolution.

If enacted, S. Res. 480 would state that the Senate denounces the current Russian military buildup on the Ukraine border as “provocative, reckless, and contrary to established international norms,” and reaffirms unwavering U.S. support for a secure, democratic and independent Ukraine that is free to choose its own leaders and future.

Additionally, the Senate would call on the Russian government to abide by commitments agreed to in 2014 and 2015 in the Minsk agreements, which are provisions aimed at ending the conflict but which have still not been fully implemented, according to the text of the resolution.

“I am proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan resolution in support of Ukraine,” Sen. Portman said. “As the co-chair of the Ukraine Caucus, I have worked closely with Senator Durbin and my fellow Republican members to support Ukraine — diplomatically, militarily and economically.”

“Now, as Russia positions more than 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border — threatening their freedom and territorial sovereignty — we must do all we can to stand with Ukraine,” he added.

The Senate Resolution has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.