Editor's Note: The following is a statement released Sept. 5 by U.S. senators John McCain, Republican of Arizona, and Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina.
“We are deeply concerned that today’s cease-fire could saddle Ukraine with a debilitating frozen conflict that amounts to Transnistria in eastern Ukraine. Vladimir Putin is violating Ukraine’s sovereignty, Russia’s own international agreements, and the rule of law, and he is getting away with it. The world is a more dangerous place as a result.
“We have the utmost respect for President Poroshenko and for Ukraine’s security forces, who have fought bravely to defend their country against impossible odds. We share their desire to achieve peace and save lives, and hope today’s agreement will deliver those goals at an acceptable cost. We are, however, deeply skeptical that it will.
“The fact that Ukraine’s leaders accepted this ceasefire at this time reflects the brutal situation on the ground at present: Thousands of Russian troops have invaded and attacked Ukraine, while the United States and European Union have failed to provide Ukrainian forces with the arms and intelligence they need, and have urgently sought, to defend their country. Western governments bear a share of responsibility for the suffering and dismemberment of Ukraine, and they should be deeply ashamed.
“Though today’s deal may be better than the alternatives, the situation may still get worse. Russia and its separatist allies are winning on the battlefield in Ukraine, and Putin has not yet incurred a cost for his aggression that would cause him to stop. It should surprise no one if Putin and his Ukrainian allies violate this ceasefire, as they have prior ones, because they see no reason to concede diplomatically what they could still gain militarily. It is therefore more important than ever now for the United States and our allies to provide Ukraine with the kind of assistance they still direly need.
“If history teaches us anything, it is that when people who believe in the rule of law and democracy give way to the dictates of thugs, it always gets worse.”
