A resolution acknowledging the fourth anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming support for the people of Ukraine, and emphasizing the importance of robust United States security guarantees within a transatlantic commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.

Bill Number

S.Res. 612

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S654)

Last Updated

2026-03-27T10:56:38Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 612) marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. It reaffirms the United States' strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, condemns Russia's actions, and stresses the need for ongoing U.S. security commitments as part of a broader alliance with European partners to help Ukraine defend itself and achieve lasting peace.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing background on the conflict and then 12 specific actions or statements for the Senate to adopt:

• Reaffirmation of support: Declares unwavering backing for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its 1991 borders.
• Condolences and commendation: Expresses sympathy for Ukrainian losses and praises the bravery and resilience of Ukrainian civilians and armed forces.
• Condemnations: Denounces Russia's unprovoked invasion, attacks on civilians (e.g., hospitals, schools), destruction of infrastructure (especially energy during winter), forced abduction of at least 19,500 Ukrainian children, and targeting of U.S. companies in Ukraine.
• Rejection of aggression: Opposes Russia's attempts to change borders by force, which threaten European stability and international law.
• Peace requirements: Insists any settlement must respect Ukraine's rights, include Ukraine in talks, and require the return of abducted children.
• Calls for action: Urges continued cooperation with NATO allies and partners for military aid (e.g., air defenses, artillery, drones, training, intelligence); coordination in coalitions to deter Russia; and new financial sanctions on Russia and its enablers to push for peace talks.
• Recognition of U.S. role: Highlights the need for strong U.S. security guarantees to support peace efforts, noting European allies' significant aid contributions and Russia's economic struggles (e.g., high casualties, inflation, declining oil revenues).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the Senate's opinion but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It does not introduce enforceable changes but serves as a formal statement to guide future policy discussions.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: May influence the U.S. Department of State, Department of Defense, and Congress in prioritizing aid to Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, and coordination with allies, potentially leading to increased funding or diplomatic efforts.
• On citizens: Ukrainian people and refugees could benefit from signaled ongoing U.S. support, including humanitarian aid; U.S. citizens and companies operating in Ukraine may gain indirect protection through condemnations of attacks on American businesses.
• On international relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with NATO and European allies by emphasizing shared commitments; signals to Russia and its supporters (e.g., third countries aiding the war) that the U.S. opposes aggression, potentially deterring further escalation while promoting transatlantic unity.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Ukrainian government and people: Primary beneficiaries, receiving moral, political, and implied material support for defense and recovery.
• U.S. government and Congress: Bipartisan sponsors (from both parties) highlight unified U.S. stance, affecting lawmakers' approaches to foreign aid bills.
• NATO and European allies: Encouraged to sustain and expand joint efforts, recognizing their larger aid contributions.
• Russian government: Directly criticized, facing calls for sanctions and isolation to force peace negotiations.
• U.S. businesses in Ukraine: Protected through condemnation of targeted destruction, potentially boosting investor confidence.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces U.S. adherence to international law (e.g., respect for borders under the UN Charter) without creating new obligations; highlights war crimes like child abductions, which could support international tribunals.
• Constitutional: As a Senate resolution, it aligns with Congress's role in foreign policy under Article I (e.g., advising on treaties, controlling funding), but lacks the force of a treaty or law ratified by both chambers.
• Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan consensus (sponsored by 28 senators from diverse states and parties) on foreign affairs, potentially pressuring the executive branch (e.g., referencing President Trump's peace efforts) to maintain strong Ukraine support amid domestic debates on aid; could shape election-year rhetoric on U.S. global leadership and isolationism.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

Cosponsors (31)

Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S654)
• 2026-02-24: Submitted in Senate

Bill Versions

• Acknowledging the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming support for the people of Ukraine, and emphasizing the importance of robust United States security guarantees within a transatlantic commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. — issued 2026-02-24 — PDF (5 pages)