Congress Must Publicly Affirm Ukraine’s Sovereignty—Now

As Ukraine enters a critical phase of peace negotiations, I urge you to make your support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-defense unmistakably public—and to do so immediately, before any agreements are shaped behind closed doors. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that negotiations toward ending Russia’s full-scale invasion are nearing completion, with security guarantees and reconstruction plans already drafted. He is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump imminently. What Congress says—or fails to say—right now known will shape the outcome of that meeting. This moment demands clarity. Ukraine did not choose this war. It is defending itself against an unprovoked invasion by Vladimir Putin, whose government continues to strike Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, ports, and civilians even as talks proceed. Any peace that freezes violence temporarily while rewarding aggression will not be durable—it will simply invite the next war. Congress must state plainly that: • Ukraine’s borders cannot be rewritten by force. • Ukraine retains the sovereign right to choose its own political and security future. • No U.S.-backed agreement can trade Ukrainian territory or independence for short-term quiet. Just as importantly, Congress must affirm that continued military support is not an obstacle to peace, but a prerequisite for it. Ukraine cannot negotiate freely while under bombardment or coercion. Air defense, ammunition, intelligence sharing, and logistical support remain essential to deterring further Russian escalation and preventing a settlement imposed at gunpoint. Silence at this juncture would be interpreted as acquiescence. Public, bipartisan congressional support—stated clearly and forcefully—is one of the few counterweights available to ensure negotiations reflect democratic values rather than authoritarian leverage. I urge you to speak out now. Make Congress’s position unmistakable: the United States stands with Ukraine’s sovereignty, today and after any talks conclude.