ICYMI Video: In Opening Statement at Senate Hearing, Blumenthal Calls for Designation of Russia as State Sponsor of Terrorism, Slams Russia's Inhumanity in Kidnapping Ukrainian Children

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) spoke at a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs to discuss Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children during the ongoing war. Blumenthal called out the brutality and criminality of Russia in their kidnapping of Ukrainian children and highlighted the need for his legislation with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Katie Britt (R-AL) that designates Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if they fail to return the Ukrainian children kidnapped during the course of the war.

“Of all the moments in my life, of this privilege of public service, which we all have, this one will stay with me forever—talking with children about how they were declared orphans because the Russians killed their parents, or simply abducted by Russian soldiers,” said Blumenthal. “Having talked to some of these children, I think the people of the United States should know about these atrocities, war crimes, genocide, as part of a systematic, deliberate effort to indoctrinate the children of Ukraine with pro-Russian ideologies and to delegitimize and deny their national identity.”

“I was proud to join you, Mr. Chairman, along with Senator Britt and Senator Klobuchar in introducing this legislation earlier this year that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism—part of a very exclusive club, well-earned by Russia and Vladimir Putin. I challenge my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to vote for this measure. And if you are in possession of an ounce of humanity, you will support this measure enthusiastically,” said Blumenthal.

A video of Blumenthal’s full remarks can be found here, and a transcript is below.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Thank you very much, Chairman Graham. I've been to Ukraine eight times since the beginning of this war—most of those trips, with you Mr. Chairman, some long overnight train rides. And first and foremost, thank you for your leadership, which has been truly historic, without any exaggeration on this issue. I also want to thank my colleague, Senator Klobuchar, for her leadership, which has been really instrumental. And our House colleagues who are here, thank you, and to the witnesses who will literally testify as to the inhumanity and the criminality that we see unfolding in the kidnapping of these children. It’s more than a war crime, it is literally genocide. It is genocide because the ultimate goal of abducting these children is to erase the Ukrainian identity. It is part of a strategic effort to erase the nation of Ukraine from existence. And Putin tried it by conquering territory—he continues that effort—and the attempted negotiations, now ongoing in Moscow, we wish them well, but there’s no sign of clear progress. And therefore, we need to move forward with our sanctions bill, with the designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism as well as an effort to use the seized assets.

I've witnessed firsthand the courage of the Ukrainian people, and the brutal toll of Putin's assault, the bombings and missiles that are designed, again, to erase Ukraine and damage the people of Ukraine directly, without any regard to the rules of war. And I have spoken to those, some of them, Ukrainian children who had been taken hostage. Of all the moments in my life, of this privilege of public service, which we all have, this one will stay with me forever. Talking with children about how they were declared orphans because the Russians killed their parents, or simply abducted by Russian soldiers. I cannot describe to you the absolute brutality and inhumanity with which they were treated.

10-month-old Margarita Prokopenko, who was kidnapped by Russians under the false pretense of medical examination and rehabilitation. Her name and citizenship were changed, and her birthplace was altered from Kherson, Ukraine, to Podolsk, Russia. In another case, a 16-year-old Artem, forcibly taken by Russian soldiers to an orphanage where he said he slept, “on sagging metal beds, no bedding, just blankets, terrible sanitation, every day we ate barley stew, strange compote, and crackers.” Nine-year-old Ilya lived with his mother in Mariupol. When the war began, “I loved my school and my friends,” he said. “We had a beautiful home.” His mother was killed in a Russian missile strike. He buried her in their backyard. He was transferred to a hospital in Donetsk where he underwent surgery without anesthesia and was told by Russian doctors that he shouldn't say “glory to Ukraine” anymore.

Those are just a few of the stories. Having talked to some of these children, I think the people of the United States should know about these atrocities, war crimes, genocide, as part of a systematic, deliberate effort to indoctrinate the children of Ukraine with pro-Russian ideologies and to delegitimize and deny their national identity.

I was proud to join you Mr. Chairman along with Senator Britt and Senator Klobuchar in introducing this legislation earlier this year that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism—part of a very exclusive club, well-earned by Russia and Vladimir Putin. And I want to thank all the members of the United States Senate—I hope all the members. I challenge my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to vote for this measure. And if you are in possession of an ounce of humanity, you will support this measure enthusiastically. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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