As the war between Ukraine and Russia continues unabated, despite hundreds of deaths and months of economic sanctions, some lawmakers in the United States have begun looking to the future, with a resolution committing the United States to rebuild the ravaged Ukraine.
Essentially, the bill would do two things: provide another denunciation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and serve as a notice of intent for what might come after that war. It was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
“It is our responsibility as a world power and democratic leader to support our allies in times of need,” Manchin said. “Putin’s war on Ukraine continues to impact Ukrainians, Americans, and our allies, and we must be prepared for the massive recovery efforts that will be needed to rebuild Ukraine.”
While the resolution itself is non-binding, it represents a step in that direction, though, specifically calling out suffering caused by Vladimir Putin and Russia, a growing refugee crisis, civilian deaths, and the economic costs of the war, from an almost $60 billion toll on buildings and infrastructure in Ukraine to predictions of 45.1 percent shrinkage of the Ukrainian economy this year, according to the World Bank.
“The United States must continue to play a leading role in the fight to defend democracy. Russia’s ruthless and illegal invasion of Ukraine is a threat to the global rules and norms we hold dear,” Murkowski said. “That is why I strongly support the defense of Ukraine – allowing them to take the fight to the Russians – rather than allowing Putin to expand his tyranny around the world. There will come a time when Ukraine will rebuild, and as a global leader, we should join others and be there to help.”
The U.S. and NATO allies have provided aid, weapons, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since early into its struggle, though debates continue to rage over how much is needed. With this resolution, the senators likened recovery in Ukraine after the war to the aid packages for Western Europe provided under the post-World War II Marshall Plan. The resolution encourages the U.S. government to take a leadership role once again to provide a reconstruction assistance package and improve ties between Ukraine and the West.