U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Republican from Mississippi and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, addressed the U.S. Senate to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine and called for stronger congressional action.
Wicker stated, “This month, we will reach the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. As we all know, Vladimir Putin is a war criminal, a KGB alumnus, an oppressor of the Russian people, and we also are finding out more and more that he’s really bad at fighting a war.”
He pointed to Russia’s limited territorial gains over two years: “During the year 2024, Russia captured 0.6 percent of Ukrainian territory. Last year, it captured 0.8 percent. So, two years of massive, tragic bloodshed caused by Vladimir Putin have resulted in 1.4 percent of enemy territory taken.” Wicker added that these offensives have come at a high cost for Russia: “he’s sent millions of Russian men into battle for his unprovoked and illegal invasion, inflicting 1.2 million casualties on his own people.”
Wicker described Russia’s progress as slow compared to past conflicts: “Since 2024, his most significant offensives have scraped a meager 16 yards to 75 yards of ground a day. Less than the length of a football field. It is among the slowest military campaigns since World War I.”
The senator also condemned attacks on civilians amid winter conditions in Ukraine: “A cold snap has descended on Ukraine, and the maniacal Vladimir Putin has turned this winter into a weapon. He has systemically targeted energy sites, wiping out power and turning homes into freezers.”
According to Wicker, Putin has failed in both weakening NATO and bringing Ukraine back under Russian influence: “First of all, he has not weakened NATO… Secondly, he has not brought Ukraine back into Russia’s orbit.” He urged Congress to pass new sanctions against Russia: “Congress should take up the Russia sanctions bill. We know it has overwhelming support on this side of the aisle… What are we waiting for? Let’s do it.”
Wicker highlighted recent defense developments supporting Ukraine: “Secretary Hegseth and I have worked together to expedite weapons development… This week, the U.S. Air Force live-tested a new low-cost, air-launched cruise missile called ERAM—and we did so just sixteen months after the initial contract—impressive… The missiles are now headed to Ukraine.”
Senator Wicker represents Mississippi and serves as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (official website). He is recognized for policy work supporting American manufacturing (official website) and authored legislation such as the SHIPS Act to advance U.S. naval capabilities (official website). Additionally, he co-founded caucuses supporting global health initiatives (official website) and sits on boards overseeing maritime education (official website).
Wicker concluded his remarks by stating: “We must show Vladimir Putin that it is time to stop. We must not let him off the mat. We must increase the pressure.”
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