U.S. Senators Visit Key Ukrainian Port City

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A delegation of U.S. senators, including Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Coons, Richard Blumenthal, and Sheldon Whitehouse, recently returned from a trip to Odesa, Ukraine's third-largest city and a crucial Black Sea port that has been heavily targeted by Russia. The senators hope to spur action in Congress for a series of sanctions aimed at economically crippling Moscow and pressuring President Vladimir Putin to make key concessions in peace talks.

Why it matters

The visit to Odesa by U.S. senators underscores the strategic importance of the city and the Black Sea region in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As a major port, Odesa has been a key target for Russian forces, making the senators' trip a symbolic show of support for Ukraine's sovereignty and economic interests.

The details

This was the first time U.S. senators have visited Odesa since the war began nearly four years ago. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis had planned to join the delegation but was unable to do so for personal reasons. The senators' goal is to build support in Congress for additional sanctions against Russia in an effort to economically cripple Moscow and pressure President Putin to make concessions in peace negotiations.

• The delegation of U.S. senators returned from their trip to Ukraine on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

What’s next

The senators plan to use their experience and insights from the Odesa visit to build support in Congress for additional sanctions against Russia, with the goal of economically crippling Moscow and pressuring President Putin to make concessions in ongoing peace negotiations.