UGCC Exarch of Odesa meets with U.S. senators

This was reported by the UGCC Department for Information.

According to the organizers, this meeting took place with the assistance of Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Olha Stefanishyna. The event was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, with warm communication despite power outages and a lack of heating. Partners observed and experienced firsthand the city's living conditions, which will help them form an objective view of the current situation.

The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States reported that on February 18, 2026, a delegation of US senators — Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island), Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut), and Chris Coons (Delaware) — visited Odesa for the first time since the onset of the full-scale war. Symbolically, this visit occurred on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the invasion, February 24.

The senators received a comprehensive briefing on the security situation in the region, the capabilities of air defense, and the impacts of Russian strikes on critical infrastructure and residential areas. They learned how Russia's actions have affected American businesses, with more than half of those operating in Ukraine already impacted. This topic was also discussed during a meeting with American agricultural and logistics companies.

A key element of the program included a visit to the port and interactions with those who defend Odesa and the Black Sea ports daily. The senators met with local religious and community leaders as well as regional authorities. They witnessed how Odesa remains steadfast in its defense, observing the resilient individuals who continue to live and work amidst constant attacks and the ongoing lack of heat and electricity.

The delegation members emphasized the urgent need to increase pressure on the aggressor, particularly through the adoption of relevant bipartisan bills by Congress. Jeanne Shaheen stated that her proposed bills, namely the “Stop Russia and China” initiative and new sanctions against the “shadow fleet,” are ready for consideration as soon as the Senate reconvenes next week. Additionally, a sanctions bill co-authored by Richard Blumenthal is also awaiting a vote.