Democratic, Republican lawmakers propose resolution backing Ukraine

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A group of Democratic and Republican U.S. senators will offer a resolution backing Ukraine on Monday, amid fears that President Donald Trump could make a deal with Moscow that leaves Kyiv on the sidelines three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

The resolution, seen by Reuters, expresses solidarity with the people of Ukraine, offers condolences for the loss of tens of thousands of its citizens and seeks a role for Kyiv in any ceasefire talks.

Its introduction comes as transatlantic relations are roiled by Trump's shifting stance on the war. The Republican president last week criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, suggesting Kyiv had started the war, and started talks on ending the war with Russian officials but without Kyiv or European allies.

The resolution was led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator Thom Tillis. The two lawmakers visited Ukraine last week, along with Democratic Senator Michael Bennet.

It has at least 12 backers, including such senior Republicans as Mitch McConnell, the party's former Senate leader; Roger Wicker, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, as well as Democrats Dick Durbin, a member of the party's leadership, and Bennet, a Democratic foreign relations committee aide said.

"The Senate emphasizes that Ukraine must be a participant in discussions with the Russian Federation about Ukraine’s future," the resolution says.

The measure does not specifically back NATO membership, but reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and "supports Ukraine's efforts to integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures."

In an emailed statement, Shaheen said: "As Vladimir Putin’s illegal and brutal full-scale invasion enters its fourth year, I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution that clearly states our unwavering support for and solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemns Russia's aggression."

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Don Durfee and Andrea Ricci)