VIDEO: Sen. Reed delivers remarks on latest in Ukraine

CRANSTON, RI – As Russia steps up its targeting of Ukraine, with nearly 400 Russian drones and missiles fired at Ukrainian cities over the past few days, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demonstrate his commitment to the illegal invasion of Ukraine and contempt for President Trump’s negotiating efforts.  In the wake of Russia’s increasing attacks, Germany became the latest Ukrainian ally to lift all range restrictions on weapons it sends to Ukraine to combat Moscow’s offensive.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, believes now is the time for President Trump to throw his support behind tough, targeted sanctions against the Putin regime.  Senator Reed says that if President Trump refuses to act, the U.S. Senate must quickly pass a comprehensive sanctions package with a veto-proof majority.

“The Trump Administration must recognize that the only thing Vladimir Putin responds to is strength. To demonstrate our strength, the U.S. must join our allies in levying new sanctions on Russia to intensify the economic pressure.  The European Union has recently approved a new package of sanctions targeting covert Russian oil exports, and has announced that work is underway for another set of even tougher sanctions,” said Senator Reed.

“The President claims to understand pressure and leverage in tough negotiations.  But none of that has been evident in his dealings with Putin.  He has refused to pressure Russia and has been unwilling to bolster Ukraine with adequate military assistance to gain leverage,” Reed continued.  “Since the Administration has so far failed to take tough actions to pressure Russia to stop its brutal and illegal war of choice, the U.S. Senate must take up and quickly pass a comprehensive sanctions package against Russia.  These bipartisan sanctions on Russia are overdue, should be swiftly enacted to counter Putin, and failure to do so will only embolden bad actors.”

Senator Reed is an original cosponsor of the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 (S. 1241), which has 81 cosponsors – 40 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and 1 Independent.  The measure includes a 500 percent tariff on imports from nations that purchase Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas or uranium.  The lead sponsor of the bill, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), wrote in the Wall Street Journal demanding change in Trump’s negotiating strategy and noting that the U.S. Senate is “prepared” to do what the president has not: impose severe sanctions on Moscow.

The bipartisan sanctions calls are coming from the U.S. Senate as President Trump himself is questioning Putin’s motives, writing over the weekend: “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.”

“I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” Trump added.

The Kremlin responded to Trump’s criticism by blaming it on “emotional overload” followed by an escalation of military strikes on Ukraine.  And Russian State Media site RT mocked Trump's social media posts in a post of their own on X, writing:

‘Putin doesn’t realize… he’s playing with fire!’ — Trump’s message leaves little room for misinterpretation

Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning

Senator Reed urged the Trump Administration to spend less time on social media and get to work on submitting a budget request that includes robust support for Ukraine. Failing to do so would harm U.S. national security and economic interests and benefit Russia.  

“The Ukrainian people continue to bravely hold the line against Russian forces, which are supplemented by North Korean troops, equipped by Iran, and supported economically by China. The Ukrainians need arms and supplies to continue to protect their country.  Instead, the Trump Administration has choked off U.S. military aid and has failed to request any additional support. This must be reversed immediately,” said Senator Reed.  “I will continue to do everything in my power to support Ukraine, as their fight is our fight. I urge my Senate colleagues and the President to join me.”

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