Ukraine Caucus Statement On Fourth Anniversary Of Russia's Full Scale Invasion Of Ukraine

“Four years ago, Vladimir Putin believed the nation of Ukraine would greet his invaders as liberators and subject themselves to his tyrannical and bloody rule. He was wrong. Through extraordinary courage, immeasurable sacrifice, and inspiring resilience, the Ukrainian people have shown the world that they will never surrender their liberty. Tonight, in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we will wear blue and yellow to the State of the Union, as a visible reminder that freedom’s fight is not theirs alone.

“As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we see reflected in Ukraine the same timeless truth that forged our own great Republic—that free people will rise to cast off foreign rule and preserve their own democratic experiment.

“Ukrainians continue to prove that a young democracy can hold the line against the forces of tyranny—but it is up to us as Americans to help them prove that democracy can win.

“This is a critical moment. Russia has deliberately targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a barbaric attempt to freeze families into submission and break the nation’s will. The United States must expedite assistance necessary to help them weather this storm. A stronger Ukraine strengthens President Trump’s efforts in securing an end to this war.

“Russia is not winning. Since 2022, Putin’s invasion forces have suffered approximately 1.2 million casualties. In December 2025 alone, Russian forces suffered 35,000 casualties—a single month eclipsing the Soviet Union’s total casualties over a decade in Afghanistan.

“Russia’s staggering losses are not leading to meaningful gains on the battlefield, and Dictator Putin hopes that the Kremlin can win at the negotiating table what it cannot take from Ukraine by force.

“Peace will not come through concession to aggression. It will come through strength. As President Trump pushes for a negotiated settlement, his hand is only strengthened by levying new sanctions to constrain Russia’s war machine while strengthening Ukraine’s position through arms and the support necessary to survive Russia’s onslaught.

“There’s a reason the story of Ukraine’s resistance resonates so deeply with Americans. Just as American patriots took up arms 250 years ago to defend their way of life and forge a historic democracy, Ukrainian patriots fight that same struggle today. Their success, with America’s support, will strengthen our nations and reaffirm that the cause of freedom, though tested, will always triumph.”