Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement on the economic agreement signed by the United States and Ukraine.  

“With the signing of Donald Trump’s extortion of Ukraine deal, even as Ukraine continues to defend itself from Russia’s illegal invasion, I hope the administration can now turn to the real roadblock for peace: Vladimir Putin. President Zelenskyy has shown time and again that he is willing to negotiate to work towards a sustainable peace; now is the time for Trump to put the pressure on Putin where it belongs.  

“President Trump should work with Congress to put pressure on Putin and make clear that unless Russia is willing to make real concessions and engage in a peace process, the U.S. will work with its partners and allies to impose significant consequences. That includes holding Russia accountable for its war crimes, additional security support to Ukraine, increased sanctions on Russia, and funding Ukraine’s reconstruction by leveraging gains from Russia’s frozen assets. Both the comprehensive Ukraine assistance bill I introduced last month and the Graham-Blumenthal bill in the Senate are avenues through which the U.S. can make clear that Russia cannot simply wait out international support for Ukraine, and push Putin to the negotiating table.  

“Unfortunately, Donald Trump has so far demonstrated nothing but weakness by capitulating to Putin every step of the way, with nothing to show for it in return, while fixating his attacks on Zelensky and Ukraine. It should be news to no one that Vladimir Putin is a bully and will only respond to strength, not groveling.”