07.13.21

Durbin Meets Virtually With Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today met virtually with former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk to speak on continued cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine.  On the call, Durbin and Yatsenyuk discussed ongoing acts of Russian aggression towards Ukraine, U.S.-Ukraine security cooperation and assistance, and concerns with the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.  Durbin also expressed his continued support for strong bipartisan Congressional backing for Ukraine. 

“While Ukraine faces ongoing Russian aggression, the U.S. will be an unwavering ally to the Ukrainian people and their effort for a democratic and secure nation,” said Durbin.  “Former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk is a tireless voice for his country’s future and I was pleased to pledge my continued support to help the Ukrainian people in this larger effort during our discussion today.”   

A photo of the virtual meeting is available here.

In 2014, Durbin and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) led a congressional delegation to Ukraine, where members walked through the Maidan and paid their respects at memorials to the Ukrainians who were killed in a violent response to peaceful protests for democracy.  Durbin and Senator Portman (R-OH) Co-Chair the Senate Ukraine Caucus. 

Yatsenyuk served as Prime Minister for two years following the 2014 Ukrainian revolution until 2016. He remains leader of the People’s Front political party.

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