WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today spoke on the Senate Floor calling for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Senator Barrasso also discussed bipartisan legislation supported by more than 70 senators that would impose crippling sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin fails to take serious steps towards peace.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“I rise today to call for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. President Donald Trump is committed to peace. He has repeatedly said his mission is to stop the killing. Yesterday’s phone call with Vladimir Putin was a decisive step to that goal.
“After three years of bloodshed, Russia and Ukraine will now begin necessary talks for a ceasefire and an end to this war. This breakthrough would not be possible without President Trump’s strength and leadership.
“President Trump is a master dealmaker. He united our allies in Europe and Ukraine behind his vision for a lasting peace. Real leadership ends wars and saves lives. That is what we are seeing from President Trump.
“Yet as President Trump forges peace, Putin continues to sow chaos. Putin is a brutal dictator. That is who he is. He lies. He cheats. He disregards the lives of his own country’s citizens. And the attacks continue. Russian forces continue to attack Ukrainian civilians.
“This weekend’s massive drone attack – one of the largest of the war – was a deliberate attack on innocent people. We cannot forget Putin’s brutality.
“Russia faces a stark choice: peace or crippling sanctions. President Trump has spoken forcefully of swift, severe consequences if Russia fails to honor a ceasefire. A bipartisan group of Senators agrees.
“70 Senators have already signed onto a bill to expand sanctions and tariffs on Russia. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut are leading the charge. It includes 500 percent tariffs on anyone who buys oil, gas, and uranium from Russia.
“Energy is the cash cow of Putin’s war machine. Cut it off, and Russia cannot continue to fight. Russia’s biggest customer is Communist China. The next is India. They will be hit hard.
“Europe, too, must act. Last year, Europe spent $23 billion on Russian oil and gas. That is more than Europe sent in aid to Ukraine. Europe has somewhat reduced their dependency on Russian energy products, partially by buying American natural gas. Europe must go further – faster – to take back its security and its future.
“America stands ready. Energy security is national security. Affordable, reliable, American energy is a source of American strength. America is an energy superpower. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are acting like it.
“Vladimir Putin does not respond to statements. He responds to strength. If Russia stalls, the Senate will act decisively to move to bring lasting peace.
“It’s time to end the killing. It’s time to end the war in Ukraine.”
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