“We condemn Russia’s brutal attacks on Kherson, Chernigov, Kharkov, Odessa, Sumy, Donetsk and Krivoy Rog, aimed at innocent Ukrainians who gathered together to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace with loved ones and in prayer,” the statement said.
The senators emphasized that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky agreed to a Christmas truce, but the illegitimate Russian President Vladimir Putin refused.
“Even for countries at war, there is a long tradition of Christmas truces, including during World War I. Putin's decision today to attack rather than cease fire is a troubling reminder for us all: Putin is a ruthless killer who has no intention of bringing peace and cannot be trusted,” the senators said.
Joining the initiative to release a statement about the Russian killings of civilians during the Christmas celebration were Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Senator Thom Tillis (Republican, North Carolina), Senator Jackie Rosen (Democrat, Nevada), Senator John Barrasso (Republican, Wyoming), Senator Chris Coons (Democrat, Delaware), Senator Angus King (Independent, Maine), Senator Jerry Moran (Republican, Kansas), Senator Jeff Merkley (Democrat, Oregon) and Senator Chris Van Gollen (D-MD).
