US Resolution on Ukraine crisis

February 18, 2022

On February 17, 2022, The US Senate voted overwhelmingly to show its support for an independent Ukraine.

Key facts

Senate also condemn Russian military aggression toward its neighbour, amid emergence of fresh fears of a possible invasion which in turn could spiral toward a European war.
This resolution was passed after President Joe Biden noted that, US has every indication of a potential Russian attack on Ukraine.

Resolution from the Senators

Resolution from the senators does not carry ‘force of law’ but puts legislative body of the US on record with “unwavering support of United States for a secure, democratic, and independent Ukraine”. It also denounces the military build-up Russia on Ukraine’s border. The vote was unanimous, without formal roll call or objection.

Allies of Ukraine in the Senate

Ukraine has strong allies in the Senate. There is also a broad support for sanctions on Russia as powerful foreign policy tool, that could be used if Russia furthers aggression toward Ukraine.

Ukraine-United States relations

Independence of Ukraine was officially recognised by United States (US) on December 25, 1991. US also upgraded the status of its consulate in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, as embassy on January 21, 1992. However, in 2002, bilateral relations deteriorated after recordings made during Cassette Scandal revealed an alleged transfer of Ukrainian defence system to Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. Ukraine maintains an embassy in Washington, D.C.

Why are Russia & Ukraine fighting?

The Russia-Ukraine War started in February 2014, by involving Russia & pro-Russian forces on one hand, and Ukraine on the other. War started over the status of Crimea and parts of Donbas, which are internationally recognized as part of Ukraine. As of February 2019, Government of Ukraine classify 7% of Ukraine’s territory as temporarily occupied territories.

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