PolicyBrief
H.RES. 154
119th CongressFeb 24th 2025
Commemorating the heroic sacrifices of the people of Ukraine 3 years after Russian President Vladimir Putin's illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and recognizing the terrible cost of Russia's committing crimes against Humanity aggression.
IN COMMITTEE

Commemorates the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people three years after Russia's invasion, condemning Russia's aggression and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense and sovereignty.

Marcy Kaptur
D

Marcy Kaptur

Representative

OH-9

LEGISLATION

House Reaffirms Support for Ukraine on 2nd Anniversary of Full-Scale Invasion, Pledges Continued Aid and Condemns Russian Aggression

This bill flat-out commemorates the Ukrainian people's sacrifices and condemns Russia's ongoing aggression. It's a strong statement of support from the U.S. House of Representatives, reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine's defense and its eventual integration into the international community.

Standing with Ukraine

The House is basically saying, "We see you, Ukraine, and we're with you." The bill acknowledges the immense human cost of the war – over 12,000 civilian deaths, nearly 30,000 injuries, and the displacement of millions. It calls out Russia's horrific actions, including the illegal abduction of over 19,000 Ukrainian children and the over 100,000 recorded instances of war crimes. The bill goes hard, it even mentions the International Criminal Court's indictment of Putin for the unlawful deportation of children. The bill links to the Budapest Memorandum of December 5, 1994, which is a key agreement where Russia pledged to respect Ukraine's sovereignty.

Rebuilding and Accountability

The bill acknowledges the staggering $400 billion in damage to Ukraine's infrastructure, and calls for holding Russia accountable. It supports diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, but it's clear that "resolve" means restoring Ukrainian control over territories like Donetsk and Luhansk. This also means integrating Ukraine into Euro-Atlantic institutions, solidifying the United States-Ukraine Strategic Partnership. It's not just about words; it's about concrete action to strengthen Ukraine's resilience.

What It Means for Real People

This bill is a signal that the U.S. isn't backing down in its support for Ukraine. For Ukrainians, it's a message of solidarity and a promise of continued assistance. For countries bordering Russia, it's a reassurance that the U.S. is committed to regional security. Think of a Ukrainian family displaced by the war – this bill represents a commitment to helping them rebuild their lives. Or consider a small business owner in a neighboring country worried about Russian expansion – this bill signals a determination to prevent further aggression. However, it's worth noting that the bill relies on existing agreements, and some of those, like the Minsk agreements, have been subject to... let's call them differing interpretations. So, while the intent is clear, the actual implementation will depend on how these agreements are enforced (or not) moving forward.