WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, on Tuesday condemned the increase in violence by Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, which has claimed the lives of eight Ukrainian soldiers and wounded twenty-six since January 28th.  Murphy also called on the Trump Administration to ensure U.S. sanctions on Russia remain in place until Russia ceases its aggression against Ukraine.

“Russian-backed rebels have killed eight Ukrainian soldiers in recent days, and yet we’ve seen no signs President Trump is rethinking cozying up to his new best friend, Vladimir Putin. That this spike in violence occurred just days after President Trump’s ‘positive’ conversation with Putin is especially concerning because it shows that Putin perceives that he has license now to restart operations in Ukraine,” said Murphy.

“The world is watching, and President Trump needs to show some leadership. The administration must dismiss this foolish talk of easing sanctions, and pressure Putin to abide by the Minsk agreements. Failure to do so will only raise further questions around the world about whether he is, indeed, a puppet,” Murphy added.

On January 28th, fighting escalated significantly near Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine.  Combined Russian-separatist forces launched an assault against Ukrainian positions in and around the town of Avdiivka. Damage to infrastructure from the fighting has left 17,000 people – including roughly 2,500 children – in the area without water, electricity, or heat. 

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