The key facts

  • Gregory Meeks, Adam Smith and Jim Himes issued a joint statement after Zelensky's call with a bipartisan group of members of Congress
  • The Democrats intend to advance a law requiring the Trump administration to provide Ukraine with military, economic and intelligence support
  • They argue that weakening Kyiv's defenses will not lead to a lasting peace

Democrats promised legislative action

Three senior Democratic members of the House of Representatives — Gregory Meeks, Adam Smith and Jim Himes — announced on Monday their intention to advance legislation aimed at strengthening American support for Ukraine. They criticized President Donald Trump's approach to Russia and warned that cutting aid could undermine Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. The statement was issued after a phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a bipartisan group of members of Congress.

Criticism of the administration's policy

The lawmakers said that Congress must play a more active role in shaping US policy toward Ukraine, because, in their view, the administration's current approach cannot be relied upon. “Donald Trump has made it clear that he is abandoning Ukraine in favor of Vladimir Putin,” their statement said. “We are determined to urgently work with members of Congress from both parties on legislation that would require the Trump administration to provide Ukraine with the military, economic and intelligence support needed to protect the population from Putin's brutal and illegal invasion.”

Arguments about peace and US interests

In the lawmakers' view, weakening Kyiv's defenses will not lead to a lasting peace agreement. They called such a step morally wrong and contrary to the interests of the United States and its allies, and also stated that the Trump administration “cannot be trusted” on matters of supporting Ukraine. “Congress must act and do what this administration refuses to do: support Ukraine, protect America's interests, and make clear that autocratic aggression will not be rewarded,” the Democrats concluded. In their statement, they also characterized Russia's ongoing actions as war crimes and the killing of civilians.