Durbin Meets Virtually With Ukrainian Ambassador To United States
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Ukraine Caucus, met virtually today with the new Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova. During their meeting, Durbin discussed the latest on tensions with Russia and reiterated his support for Ukraine. Durbin has a strong record of support for Ukraine, including several visits to the country and supporting security and development assistance. Durbin and the Ambassador also discussed their continued concern about the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, and the need to invest in green energy efforts across Europe that are not reliant on Russian influence.
“As Ukrainians continue to battle Russian aggression, the United States’ support for Ukraine must be unwavering and strong,” said Durbin. “Russia’s massive military buildup near the Ukrainian border has heightened tensions in the region. I promised Ambassador Markarova that I will continue to support robust assistance to Ukraine so we can beat back Russian influence and encroachment on their sovereign land.”
In 2014, Durbin and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) led a congressional delegation to Ukraine. Members walked through the Maidan and paid their respects at memorials to the Ukrainians who were killed in a violent response to peaceful protests for democracy.
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