Highs and Lows: Holding Putin Accountable

Let me start with my low. We’re now four and a half years into Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine. This week, Russian airstrikes killed and wounded several civilians. One of the strikes was a direct hit on a family home, where children and their parents were killed. At this point, Russia knows it is going to lose this war. However, it is going to make life as hard and dangerous as possible for the civilians of Ukraine in the meantime. Relatedly, my high was sitting in the presiding chair during an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote (86-12) to advance legislation that imposes sanctions targeting those funding Putin’s war machine and reaffirms America’s commitment to standing with the Ukrainian people. This legislation was championed by my late colleague Lindsey Graham, and the vote took place shortly after his funeral services that day. The United States, again, made it clear that Russia cannot be allowed to win its war against Ukraine. I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for that legislation, which has the White House’s support. I hope you have a great weekend. Read Newsletter