A resolution acknowledging the third anniversary of Russia's further invasion of Ukraine and expressing support for the people of Ukraine.

Bill Number

S.Res. 91

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S1314)

Last Updated

2025-05-06T15:26:43Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate resolution (S. Res. 91) marks the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. It expresses the U.S. Senate's solidarity with Ukraine, condemns Russia's actions, and reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses and eight specific actions for the Senate:

• Background Context:
• Recognizes Russia's invasion as unprovoked and illegal, following its 2014 annexation of Crimea and occupation of parts of the Donbas region.
• Affirms international recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty within its 1991 borders.
• Highlights the Ukrainian Armed Forces' and people's resistance, which has prevented Russian control.
• Senate Actions:
• Expresses solidarity with Ukraine and condolences for the loss of tens of thousands of lives due to Russian aggression.
• Rejects Russia's efforts to seize sovereign territory in Ukraine and elsewhere in Europe.
• Reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Commends NATO, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (a coalition of countries supporting Ukraine's defense), and the international community for aiding Ukraine's defense and protecting human rights.
• Supports Ukraine's goals to join Euro-Atlantic institutions, such as NATO and the European Union.
• Acknowledges Ukraine's efforts to maintain and strengthen its democracy amid wartime challenges.
• Urges the transatlantic community (U.S., Europe, and allies) to continue condemning Russia's war and countering its aggression.
• Stresses that Ukraine must participate in any discussions with Russia about its future.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create new laws, amend statutes, or impose legal obligations. It serves as a formal statement of Senate sentiment without altering U.S. legal frameworks.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: No direct mandates, but it reinforces the U.S. State Department's and Department of Defense's diplomatic and military support for Ukraine, potentially influencing future aid decisions.
• On Citizens: Primarily symbolic; it may boost morale among Ukrainian Americans and U.S. citizens supportive of Ukraine, while signaling U.S. values of democracy and sovereignty.
• On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. alliances with NATO and European partners by publicly opposing Russian aggression; could encourage continued international sanctions and aid to Ukraine, while isolating Russia diplomatically.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Ukrainian People and Government: Direct beneficiaries through expressed support, recognition of their resistance, and emphasis on their role in peace talks.
• U.S. Senate and Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Senators Shaheen (D), Tillis (R), and others from both parties, highlighting cross-party consensus.
• Russia: Targeted as the aggressor, with the resolution rejecting its territorial claims.
• International Allies: Includes NATO members, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and the broader transatlantic community, commended for their support and urged to continue actions against Russia.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution (passed only by the Senate), it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It aligns with existing U.S. foreign policy under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which gives Congress a role in declaring war and foreign affairs.
• Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's oversight in foreign policy without infringing on executive powers, promoting checks and balances.
• Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (19 co-sponsors from both parties) on foreign policy, potentially shaping public discourse and pressuring the executive branch to maintain aid to Ukraine. It underscores U.S. commitment to international norms against aggression but carries no enforceable consequences if ignored.

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 (21)

Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S1314)
• 2025-02-24: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Acknowledging the third anniversary of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine and expressing support for the people of Ukraine. — issued 2025-02-24 — PDF (3 pages)