Van Hollen, Durbin, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Opposing Russia’s Inclusion in G7

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a resolution opposing Russia’s inclusion into the Group of Seven (G7). Despite Russia’s occupation of Ukraine, its destabilizing actions against the U.S. and other democracies worldwide, and the recent reporting that Russia offered bounties to target American troops deployed to Afghanistan, President Donald Trump has repeatedly called forRussia to be readmitted to a Group of Eight or to participate in a G7 proceeding. The Senators' resolution makes it clear that the U.S. Senate would oppose Russia’s readmission unless it ceases its malign actions against Ukraine, the U.S., and our allies.  

Along with Van Hollen and Durbin, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Kamala Harris (D-CA). 

The full text of today’s Senate resolution is available here and below.

Whereas, since 2014, the Russian Federation has illegally occupied Crimea and Donbass, which was condemned in the Senate by passage of S. Res. 378 by unanimous consent in the 113th Congress;

Whereas, in March 2014, the Group of Eight suspended the Russian Federation as a direct result of its actions in Ukraine, and instead continued as the Group of Seven;

Whereas, since 2014, the Russian Federation has also continued malign attacks on western democracies, including ongoing aggressive cyber and military provocations;

Whereas the Russian Federation has reportedly offered bounties to kill American troops deployed in Afghanistan: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that—

(1)   as precondition for readmission into a reconstituted Group of Eight or participation in a Group of Seven proceeding, the Russian Federation must end its illegal occupation of Crimea and Donbass, cease its malign activities against the United States and its allies, and terminate any bounties against American service members.