Republicans Demand Strong U.S. Response to Putin’s Barbaric Assault on Ukraine
Republican lawmakers are demanding an immediate and forceful response to what they describe as a “barbaric” and “deliberate” escalation by Russia, after a three-day aerial onslaught saw about 1,000 drones and missiles launched against Ukrainian cities, injuring and killing numerous civilians.
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and others have called for sweeping new “crippling” sanctions, including direct penalties targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, key members of his regime, and the financial networks fueling the war. Fitzpatrick, in a statement on X, condemned the strikes as a clear demonstration of Putin’s intent to escalate, not de-escalate, the war.
Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) urges the U.S. to significantly increase military aid to Ukraine and take bold financial action by seizing $300 billion in frozen Russian assets held abroad.
“We have the tools to hit Putin where it hurts. It’s time to use them,” Bacon stated. “[Putin’s] goal is to dominate Ukraine & he won’t stop until he realizes he cannot win.”
“The US & Allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth, sanction Russia to the max, & confiscate the $300B in overseas Russian assets,” he added.
While President Donald Trump recently referred to Putin as “absolutely crazy” and warned that any attempt by Russia to fully conquer Ukraine would lead to its “downfall,” he has not yet supported additional sanctions. Instead, Trump continues to maintain what critics describe as a neutral posture.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also renewed his plea for stronger international action, emphasizing that the latest attacks are “Putin’s political choice”, aimed at demoralizing Ukraine’s civilian population and exhausting its air defenses.“These strikes are not accidental. They are calculated acts of terror,” Zelensky said in a recent address.
In Washington, bipartisan support is growing in the Senate for tougher measures. A group of 81 senators is backing legislation spearheaded by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) that would impose severe economic penalties on countries still doing business with Russia.
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 (S.1241) proposes a 500% tariff on imports from any nation purchasing Russian oil, gas, petroleum products, or uranium. The bill also expands restrictions on Russian sovereign debt and financial transactions involving sanctioned individuals and entities. With over two-thirds of the Senate co-sponsoring the bill, it has enough support to override a presidential veto.
As Russia intensifies its attacks and shows no interest in negotiating peace, pressure is mounting for the United States to demonstrate leadership. The world is watching closely to see whether Washington will respond strongly or bend to Putin.
