WASHINGTON, D.C. – After Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to annex parts of Ukraine into the Russian Federation, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined bipartisan legislation to ensure the United States does not recognize any Russian claim over Ukraine’s sovereign territory. The Non-Recognition of Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territory Act stands with the brave men and women fighting for their freedom in Ukraine by prohibiting any U.S. government department or agency from taking action that would validate Russia’s claims to Ukrainian lands. It also serves to counter Putin’s land ownership lies that he could use to justify potential military escalations.

“Vladimir Putin’s push to annex parts of Ukraine is a blatant attempt to give his brutal and unjustified invasion a veneer of legitimacy,” said Senator Collins. “The Ukrainians have inspired the world with their determination to defend their democracy, and their recent advances in the eastern part of the country demonstrate their ability to succeed when they have the support of the United States and our allies. By refusing to acknowledge Russian claims on Ukraine’s territory, this legislation would reaffirm our solidary with Ukraine and help the Ukrainians to preserve their sovereignty. I will continue to support doing everything in the United States’ power to give the courageous Ukrainians the tools they need to fight for their freedom and pressure Russia to bring an end to its terrible war.”

“No matter what Vladimir Putin says, every single inch of Ukraine belongs to Ukrainians. No sham election, fake proclamation, or attempted annexation will change Ukraine’s internationally-recognized borders,” said Senator King. “This bill is an important effort to reaffirm Ukraine’s sovereignty and sends a strong, bipartisan message to the brave men and women in Ukraine that the United States Senate stands with them in their fight for freedom. Make no mistake, Ukraine will continue to push back Putin’s delusions of a new Russian Empire and fight for the land that is theirs.”

The bill is backed by a bipartisan group of nearly thirty of the Senators.

Since the start of Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion, Senators Collins and King have worked consistently together to support the brave men and women in Ukraine fighting for their freedom. They recently celebrated President Joe Biden signing their Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act into law, and they have worked to ensure Putin feels the consequences of his heinous actions.