Rep. Panetta Visits Ukraine, Conducts Oversight and Reaffirms Support for Our Democratic Ally

Monterey, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) traveled to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key leaders at the forefront of the Russia-Ukraine war. Rep. Panetta and the bipartisan delegation reaffirmed American support of our Ukrainian ally facing unprovoked Russian aggression, surveyed war damage, and provided oversight of United States assistance.

The Members of Congress met with President Zelenskyy, First Lady Olena Zelenska, Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, as well as military, energy, anti-corruption, and humanitarian leaders. The Members also held meetings with American embassy officials.

"Ukraine continues to inspire democracies throughout the world as it continues to fight for its own democracy, autonomy, and humanity," said Rep. Panetta. "It was very impactful to spend time not only in the country, but also with the people of Ukraine, including its leadership, its soldiers, sailors, and veterans, and its citizens, all of whom are determined to not just survive, but also to succeed. As disheartening as it was to see and hear about the many tragedies of this war, it was heartening to see and hear firsthand how American support, especially our work in Congress to pass legislation for supplemental funding, is properly being used on the battlefield and affecting not just the Ukrainian military efforts, but also the morale of the Ukrainian people. As this war of attrition continues, support from democracies around the world, combined with Ukrainian innovation, resilience, and determination, is necessary to stop Putin, promote a peaceful outcome, and protect the international world order."

The bipartisan Congressional delegation included, Rep. Panetta, Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01). Congressional delegations normally are allowed to only spend less than a day in Ukraine and are confined to the capitol of Kyiv, but Rep. Panetta and his colleagues spent five days in Ukraine, traveling to the southern seaport city of Odesa and into Bucha, where Russia staged one of its most brutal attacks against innocent Ukrainian citizens who bravely fought and ultimately defeated Russian forces. While in Kyiv, Russia fired Iskander-M ballistic missiles and other air assaults into the capital. Fortunately, the rockets were intercepted by U.S. Patriot missile defense systems that are deployed throughout the city.

In addition to meeting with Ukrainian leaders, the Members met with Ukrainian veterans, internally displaced citizens, and orphans. The Members also visited Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital which was struck by a Russian missile last month, Saint Andrew's church in Bucha to pay respects to those murdered by Russian troops at the onset of the invasion, Hansen Ukrainian Mission supporting internally displaced Ukrainians and orphans, and thermal power plants that provide needed energy to Ukraine and other European allies that were destroyed by Russian missile strikes.

Earlier this year, Rep. Panetta and an overwhelming bipartisan majority passed a broad national security package that included $61 billion in security aid for Ukraine and support for the sale of seized Russian assets. This package follows previous appropriations that provided more than $65 billion in humanitarian, military, and economic assistance to our democratic allies.

Rep. Panetta continues to lead legislation to support Ukrainians in their fight for democracy. Rep. Panetta authored and introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Ukraine Human Rights Policy Act that would put in place a robust mechanism to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its human rights abuses. Rep. Panetta also co-leads the bipartisan NO LIMITS Act which would hold Chinese Communist Party military firms assisting Russia in this war accountable. Additionally, Rep. Panetta continues to fight for a bipartisan, bicameral resolution that strongly condemns the forced adoption of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation and calls for the return of Ukrainian children to their home country and their families.

Rep. Panetta greets Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Rep. Panetta, Members of Congress, and President Zelenskyy discuss American security assistance.

Rep. Panetta examines apartment damaged by Russian missile attack.

Rep. Panetta speaks with displaced Ukrainian children and orphans.

Rep. Panetta lays a candle at Saint Andrews Church in Bucha, where Ukrainian civilians murdered by Russian forces are buried.

Rep. Panetta speaks with a wounded Ukrainian veteran.

Rep. Panetta visits Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital which was hit by Russian cruise missiles.

Rep. Panetta visits a humanitarian aid organization operating in Ukraine.

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