US senators visit Odesa for first time since full-scale war began
Photo: US senators in Odesa (facebook.com/olga.kravets)
US senators visited Odesa for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, just days before the fourth anniversary of the war, according to Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olha Stefanishyna, in a Facebook post.
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A delegation of US senators, Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island), Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut), and Chris Coons (Delaware), arrived in Odesa.
According to Olga Stefanishyna, the visit took place ahead of the fourth anniversary of the invasion on February 24. The senators received a detailed briefing on the regional security situation, air defense capabilities, and the impact of Russian strikes on critical infrastructure and residential areas.
She said the delegation was also informed about the impact of the war on US businesses, noting that more than half of American companies operating in Ukraine have been affected. The issue was discussed during meetings with US agricultural and logistics firms.
A key part of the program included a visit to the port and meetings with personnel involved in defending Odesa and Black Sea ports, as well as discussions with local religious and community leaders and regional authorities.
Stefanishyna said the senators saw a city continuing to defend itself and residents who keep living and working despite constant attacks and disruptions to heating and electricity.
Members of the delegation stressed the urgency of increasing pressure on Russia, including through the adoption of bipartisan legislation in the US Congress.
Jeanne Shaheen said her bills, including the "Stop Russia and China" initiative and legislation targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, are ready for consideration once the Senate returns next week.
A sanctions bill co-authored by Richard Blumenthal, a senator known for his strong stance toward Russia, is also awaiting a vote.
US lawmakers recently introduced a bipartisan Senate bill proposing sanctions on the purchase of, or assistance in importing, Russian oil and petroleum products.
The US imposed sanctions in early November on Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft. As a result, several EU countries with Lukoil-linked refineries began seeking solutions to avoid disruptions to refinery operations.
