Asger Risom
Leading Republican joins growing chorus urging stronger stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine
As the U.S. political landscape evolves around the war in Ukraine, prominent Republican voices are stepping up calls for accountability from Russia.
Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has become the latest to publicly denounce Vladimir Putin, urging the U.S. to recognize him as a war criminal.
A Call for a Tougher Stance
Speaking on the Senate floor, Wicker condemned the Kremlin’s aggression and what he described as a pattern of war crimes, including the deliberate targeting of civilians. “It’s time to treat Vladimir Putin as the war criminal he is,” Wicker declared, as reported by Digi24.
He specifically cited the April 14 Palm Sunday airstrike that killed over 30 civilians, including children, as a blatant act of violence.
Wicker emphasized that each peace initiative from Ukraine and the U.S. had been met with further escalation from Russia.
Growing Republican Criticism of Putin
The Mississippi senator and Air Force veteran praised President Trump’s ongoing diplomatic efforts but made clear that time is running out for Moscow. He warned that if Russia refuses to take credible steps toward peace, it will only confirm that “Putin is not interested in a just end to the war.”
Wicker also backed the bipartisan Russia Sanctions Act of 2025, introduced with equal support from Republicans and Democrats. The bill proposes sweeping primary and secondary sanctions targeting Russia and third parties assisting its military campaign.
A Message of Unity and Determination
“This Senate stands ready to support President Trump in confronting Putin on a bipartisan basis,” Wicker asserted. He dismissed the notion of appeasement, stating, “If Zelensky and Ukraine laid down their arms, there would be no more Ukraine. That is the simple truth.”
Wicker’s remarks signal a growing willingness among Republican lawmakers to hold Russia accountable—aligning calls for justice with strategic support for Ukraine and reinforcing bipartisan backing for a tougher U.S. policy toward the Kremlin.