Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine with a forceful defense of continued U.S. support for Kyiv—and a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s posture at the United Nations.
Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon, Schumer honored the Ukrainians killed since Russian forces crossed the border four years ago, calling them “courageous” and reaffirming that the Senate—and, in his view, the American people— stand with Ukraine even if the president’s courage and resolve “might waver.”
Schumer Slams US Abstaining From UN Vote On ‘Lasting Peace In Ukraine’ As ‘Shameful’
His criticism centered on the U.S. decision to abstain from a U.N. General Assembly resolution backing a peaceful and just end to the war. The resolution passed with 107 countries voting in favor on February 24, the invasion’s anniversary, but the United States did not join them. Schumer said the abstention made a “mockery” of America’s global leadership and called out Trump for deferring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Putin brutally invades Ukraine,” Schumer said in substance, “and the United States abstains from a resolution simply calling for a peaceful and just end to the war?” He questioned whether the administration’s stance signaled a willingness to accept terms favorable to Moscow.
Schumer warned that any settlement crafted on Putin’s terms would not constitute real peace, but rather a reward for aggression—one that autocrats around the world would note. He framed the conflict not only as a regional war but as a broader test of democratic resolve and international order.
Recalling his tenure as majority leader, Schumer pointed to bipartisan defense packages that provided Ukraine with military and economic assistance. Despite heavy losses and prolonged fighting, he said, Ukraine has endured and held the line. Still, he acknowledged that the war is far from over and stressed that American support remains indispensable to the outcome.
On an anniversary meant to underscore solidarity with Kyiv, Schumer made the point that U.S. abstention at the United Nations sent the wrong message—to allies, adversaries, and Ukrainians still fighting on the front lines.
