As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues, a debate is intensifying in Washington over how to maintain pressure on the Kremlin, especially as cooperation between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea grows.
Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida and one of the most vocal supporters in the U.S. Senate of increasing pressure on Moscow, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that these challenges are interconnected and require a coordinated response.
Speaking about the 2026 Russia Sanctions Act, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, Scott said Congress should move forward with the legislation.
“Putin is a bandit. What he has done to the Ukrainian people is disgusting, and the number of women, children, and elderly people he has killed is horrific. It is important that we stand up for freedom,” Scott said.
He praised Ukraine’s resistance and said the world should admire the way Ukrainians have defended their country against a much larger military power.
“If you support what Russia is doing, then you should face sanctions. There is no question about that,” he added.
According to Scott, the world is facing a dangerous period in which several authoritarian regimes are working together to challenge the international order.
“Look at China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. We have people who want to destroy our way of life. That is why we must support our allies and take action,” he said.
The senator argued that the United States cannot condemn Russia’s actions while failing to hold Moscow accountable.
“I want Ukraine to win and Russia to lose. The Ukrainians are on the right side, while the Russian government is on the wrong side,” Scott stated.
Scott described Ukraine as a strong U.S. ally and praised its advances in drone technology and modern warfare.
He said Ukrainian forces have achieved remarkable results through innovation and the effective use of technology.
“With a relatively small number of people, they have managed to destroy billions of dollars’ worth of Russian military equipment,” Scott said.
The Republican senator also claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin underestimated the commitment of the United States and its European allies to continue supporting Ukraine.
He argued that Ukraine has demonstrated that democracies can withstand authoritarian aggression.
“Ukrainians have shown that corrupt dictatorships fail and that freedom prevails,” Scott concluded.
