Blumenthal & Tillis Readout of Call with President Zelenskyy & Bipartisan, Bicameral Members of Congress

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) released the following statement today after hosting a bipartisan, bicameral video call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to receive an update on Russia’s war in Ukraine: “During today’s call, President Zelenskyy repeated what we have heard from him for years: Ukraine wants peace. Funding Russia’s war machine, disabling Ukraine’s satellite communications, and crippling its air defense are all impediments to peace. Trying to appease a murderous thug like Vladimir Putin will only prolong this war and bring greater casualties. We organized today’s call to hear directly from President Zelenskyy about what his military is currently facing on the battlefield.” “President Zelenskyy confirmed that critical Starlink services remain degraded, including on systems traveling at speeds above 100 miles per hour, impeding Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones. He also reported disruptions to U.S. intelligence sharing concerning early warning of Russian ballistic missile launches. As a result of these disruptions, civilians – children – are dying. He also raised serious concerns about delays in critical air defense interceptors and the Administration’s decision to waive powerful sanctions against Russia.” “President Zelenskyy reiterated his willingness to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities as President Trump has proposed, but only if Putin agrees to the same – a fair request.” “Less than a month ago, Congress voted in overwhelming numbers to support crushing sanctions on the enablers of Russia’s war. Democrats and Republicans in Congress understand what will happen if Putin faces no consequences for his murderous invasion. As we conveyed to President Zelenskyy today, we remain committed to Ukraine and our European allies as they seek to end the slaughter in Russia’s war of aggression.” -30-