Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor expressing skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions in peace negotiations with Ukraine. During his speech, Wicker accused Putin of deceit over the years, asserting that his longstanding ambition is to resurrect the Soviet empire.

Wicker addressed the ongoing ceasefire discussions in Riyadh, pointing out divergent narratives between Russian and American accounts. "Ukraine, the Chairman said, has made a good-faith effort to reach an honorable settlement, while Russia appears to be attempting to extract concessions in an effort to boost its negotiating position."

In his speech, Wicker acknowledged recent positive developments in the peace talks, commending Ukraine for its openness to prisoner exchanges, in contrast to Russia's reluctance. "We should applaud Ukraine's overtures. An agreement is within reach that reflects the common cause of the United States and Ukraine," he said.

Chairman Wicker criticized Putin's actions during the peace negotiations, stating, "Putin's representatives prepare to sit down with American diplomats," while concurrently launching missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets. He labeled Putin as a "tyrant who speaks the language of war and terror."

Wicker expressed his belief that Putin's historical approach to international agreements is based on deception and a disregard for treaties. He warned against lifting economic sanctions without reciprocal actions from Russia, emphasizing the importance of sustaining financial penalties as leverage in negotiations.

Wicker concluded by encouraging continued vigilance, stating that dictators respond to power, and highlighted the need for a robust peace settlement that challenges Putin's empire-building ambitions. "Getting a deal with him will be a challenge. We must bear history in mind if we are to reach a settlement that benefits the free countries of the world," Wicker concluded.