WASHINGTON – A bipartisan coalition of senators will unveil a resolution Tuesday expressing strong support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces, just hours before President Trump delivers his State of the Union address to the nation.
The measure is being spearheaded by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, both leaders of the Senate NATO Observer Group. According to documents obtained by news outlets, the resolution has gained backing from at least 26 additional senators split roughly equally between both parties.
The resolution expresses sympathy for Ukrainian casualties, praises the courage of Ukrainian citizens, promotes stronger collaboration among NATO member nations, and insists that any peace agreement must honor Ukraine’s independence and territorial boundaries while ensuring Ukraine remains “the central party to discussions regarding its future.”
This legislative move arrives as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration encounters increasing pressure from the United States to negotiate a peace agreement. While the resolution carries no legal weight, it demonstrates significant congressional backing for the Kyiv government and signals lawmakers’ desire for increased Ukrainian support from the Trump administration.
The timing of Trump’s evening address coincides with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine, highlighting an ongoing war the Republican president has not yet resolved despite his earlier promise to end it “in 24 hours.”
Congressional members from both sides of the aisle, including Trump’s Republican colleagues and Democratic opponents, have pressed him to increase assistance to Zelenskyy’s government, including delivering all previously approved financial and military support from recent years.
Democratic supporters of Tuesday’s resolution include Shaheen, who serves as the leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Michael Bennet, Richard Durbin, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Tim Kaine.
The Republican backers feature former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Tillis, John Curtis, Chuck Grassley, Roger Wicker, Jerry Moran, Dave McCormick, and Susan Collins.
