US Senators Visited Odessa For The First Time Since The Start Of A Full-scale War

19.02.2026, 8:46
1,462

Politicians have been briefed on how Russia is attacking American businesses.

US senators visited Odessa for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and just days before the fourth anniversary of the war.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Ukraine's ambassador to the US Olga Stefanyshina.

A delegation of US senators - Jean Shaheen (New Hampshire), Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island), Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut) and Chris Coons (Delaware) - arrived in Odessa.

"Symbolically, the visit took place on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the invasion, February 24. The senators had a detailed briefing on the security situation in the region, air defense capabilities, the consequences of Russian strikes on critical infrastructure in the city and residential areas," Stefanyshina said.

She said the senators were briefed on how Russia is attacking American businesses - more than half of those working in Ukraine have already been affected. This was discussed at a meeting with American agricultural and logistics companies.

"A key element of the program was a port visit and communication with those who protect Odessa and the Black Sea ports every day. There was also a meeting with local religious and community leaders, the leadership of the region," the ambassador added.

Stefanyshina noted that the US senators saw Odessa, which is holding the defense, as well as indestructible people who live and work despite constant attacks, lack of heat and electricity.

"Members of the delegation confirmed the need to increase pressure on the aggressor, in particular through the adoption by the US Congress of relevant bipartisan bills," the diplomat said.

So, Jeanne Shaheen said her bills ("Stop Russia and China" and on sanctions against the "shadow fleet") are ready for consideration as soon as the Senate returns to work next week.

A sanctions bill co-authored by Richard Blumenthal, a senator known for his anti-Russian stance, is also awaiting a vote.