Shaheen, Wicker Lead Bipartisan Senators in Introducing Resolution Recognizing U.S. National Interest in Supporting Russian Democracy Advocates Ahead of Russian Democracy Dialogue
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a resolution seeking to support democratic actors in the Russian Federation, commending the work of Russian civil society and independent media to expose and respond to the crimes of Vladimir Putin’s government and pursue accountability for offenses. The resolution comes as the National Endowment for Democracy, the U.S. Russia Foundation and Free Russia Foundation convene the second ever Washington Dialogue, a convening of Russian civil society and independent media working to hold the Kremlin accountable.
Amid the continued war in Ukraine, the Russian government has continued to crack down on the rights of Russian citizens, including utilizing state-sponsored apps to surveil everyday Russians while simultaneously cutting off access to United States-based social media and information sharing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Signal and others. This resolution calls on the Trump Administration to prioritize pro-democracy programs in Russia and elevate individuals and organizations who are doing this work.
The resolution:
- Recognizes the strategic imperative and national interest of the United States to support democratic actors in the Russian Federation who are exposing and pursuing accountability for the crimes of Vladimir Putin’s government.
- Condemns the Kremlin’s efforts to suppress and isolate Russian citizens and commit war crimes against innocent Ukrainian civilians.
- Expresses solidarity with Russians opposing Russia’s war in Ukraine and advocating for democracy within their own country.
- Calls on the Department of State to renew and bolster efforts, in consultation with the National Endowment for Democracy, to engage with and support pro-democracy Russian individuals and organizations.
- Commits to engagement with Russians living in exile who are working to support democracy in their country and opposing the war against Ukraine.
“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine was rooted in his fear that the Russian people would see Ukraine’s progress in creating a more democratic, prosperous country and want the same for their own country,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “Putin has used cruel tactics on his own people: suppressing dissent through brutal violence, proliferating state-sponsored repression and undermining democracy with election interference and through disinformation campaigns. That is why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution, along with Senator Wicker, to champion those who fight for democracy within Russia and hold the Russian government accountable for the crimes it has committed against its own people.”
“My colleague Senator Shaheen and I introduce this resolution for Nemstov, for Navalny, and for the courageous Russians who carry their torch today,” said Chairman Wicker. “Putin casts a repressive shadow over Russia, but these heroes work toward a bright future they cannot yet see. The U.S. Senate honors their efforts and looks forward to the day when Russia is led by and for its people.”
Full text of the resolution is available HERE.
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