Durbin Statement On President Zelenskyy Meeting With A Bipartisan Group Of Members Following President Trump’s Recent Actions Further Catering To Vladimir Putin

October 19, 2026 Durbin Statement On President Zelenskyy Meeting With A Bipartisan Group Of Members Following President Trump’s Recent Actions Further Catering To Vladimir Putin SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today released the following statement after Ukraine President Zelenskyy spoke with a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives following President Trump’s recent actions further catering to Vladimir Putin. These actions include waiving new sanctions against Russia as required in legislation that Congress passed last month, the President’s decision to buy Russian diesel which helps fund its war machine against Ukraine and reportedly limit the sharing of critical intelligence with Ukraine. “Today, my colleagues and I spoke with President Zelenskyy to discuss the status of the war in Ukraine and the effects of President Trump’s sanctions relief for Russia. While Trump’s oil handouts to Vladimir Putin undermine the war effort, I made clear on our call that Congress is determined to support the brave Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. “Any negotiations about the future of Ukraine after years defending against Russian assault must include Ukraine. Ukraine has earned its freedom and right to determine its future—which are not for President Trump to sell out to Putin and Chinese President Xi because his halfhearted efforts to end the war have failed.” -30- Print Email Share Tweet