Sen. Graham Calls for Vote on Resolution Condemning Putin for War Crimes

Sen. Lindsey Graham told reporters at the Capitol Wednesday that he will introduce a Senate resolution condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes.

“Here’s what happens when you let a man get away with murder and theft and war crimes for 20 years,” the South Carolina Republican said. “You can’t be surprised he keeps doing it. Enough. Stop it. End it.”

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During President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, many members of Congress wore blue and yellow clothing or ribbons to signal support for Ukraine amid Putin’s invasion, which has been condemned by the United States and its allies. The U.S. has implemented some sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion and will soon issue more. Biden said in his speech that he will ban Russian aircraft from U.S. airspace. But members are still considering other measures to deter Russia’s aggression.

Graham was joined by Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian-born American, who indicated she plans to introduce a comparable measure in the House. Spartz said she still has family in her native country and shared stories from friends and relatives. She said Russian soldiers are shooting at women and children fleeing the conflict.

“This is criminal,” the Indiana Republican said. “These people cannot get away with that.”

The draft resolution distributed by Graham’s office says Putin’s regime has committed “flagrant acts of aggression and other atrocities rising to the level of crimes against humanity and war crimes against the people of Ukraine and others.” It supports the complaint filed by the Ukrainian government against Putin in the International Criminal Court alleging Putin committed war crimes.

Graham said the world has allowed Putin to “get away with too much for too long.”

“This is a legitimate complaint in our eyes, and we would ask the ICC to investigate,” he said.

Asked if he has the support of any Democratic colleagues for his effort, Graham said, “I’m hopeful we’ll get there, but I had discussions last night with several Democrats on this front.”

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“I’m hoping that Republicans and Democrats will speak with one voice when it comes to the rule of law, that what Putin is doing is a war crime,” Graham said, remarking that he was using the assembled press to get their attention for his effort.

Graham praised Spartz’s advocacy for the people of Ukraine and said he misses his friend, the late Sen. John McCain, in considering a congressional response to Putin’s actions.