Putin is a thug who understands only force & strength

This is a historic triumph for democracy—ours & Ukraine’s—showing that America can still muster bipartisan unity in the fight for freedom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. In August, I watched from Kyiv’s Sophia Square as President Zelenskyy honored the families of heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could remain free & independent. I vowed then, as I have every day for the last few years, that our tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine would be the passage of this legislation to help bring an end to Putin’s hideous slaughter & prevent future bloodshed. This triumph is also a testament to the relentless drive of my friend, Lindsey Graham. I missed him deeply on my most recent eleventh trip to Ukraine. If he were here, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage—& already thinking about the next one. So we celebrate, & now, we redouble work on sending Ukraine whatever it needs to prevail. Putin is a thug who understands only force & strength, which is what we must show clearly & unequivocally.