Houston Daily

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas), has sent a letter to President Trump ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. The letter commends Trump's recent actions aimed at securing peace in Ukraine and supports the delivery of additional weapons to the country. It also urges the administration to impose new sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, including the abduction of Ukrainian children.

The signatories include Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), along with other members of Congress from both parties.

The letter states: "We write to applaud your leadership and recent efforts to secure peace in Ukraine. Through your strong actions and statements, America has demonstrated the value of its 'peace through strength' approach."

It continues: "We urge you to allow the sale of new weapons systems to Ukraine, to increase sanctions on Russia, and to hold Russia to account for the kidnapping of Ukrainian children since the start of the war. These steps would significantly strengthen Ukraine’s position, pressuring Russia to accept the peace negotiations that you have diligently pursued. The time for peace in Ukraine is now."

The lawmakers reference President Trump's comments about Kyiv's ability "to win all of Ukraine back in its original form" and his openness toward sending Tomahawk weapon systems. They note that providing such military support, as well as intelligence capabilities, could deter further Russian aggression. They also emphasize the importance of additional air defense systems and upgrades for Ukrainian forces.

The letter also acknowledges efforts by European allies in reducing reliance on Russian energy and enacting new sanctions against Moscow. Lawmakers call for "forceful new joint sanctions against Russia and its allies who continue to purchase Russian oil," expressing readiness in Congress to support such measures.

On humanitarian issues, the legislators highlight concerns over more than 20,000 Ukrainian children reportedly held in Russia. They commend advocacy by the First Lady for drawing attention to this matter and welcome recent returns of some children but stress that more needs to be done.

The letter concludes: "Together, we can help ensure that Ukraine—like Israel and Gaza—can pursue peace and security through a negotiated ceasefire and a just resolution to the war. To ensure that Russia can be brought to the table, we request your commitment to the provision of new arms to Ukraine, the implementing of powerful new sanctions against Russia, and the holding of Russia to account for the kidnapping of Ukrainian children since the start of the war."

Michael McCaul has been consistently reelected as a representative from Texas's 10th district over multiple election cycles. In 2024, he won against Theresa Boisseau with 63.6% of votes; previous victories include defeating Linda Nuno in 2022 with 63.3%, Mike Siegel in 2020 with 52.5% and again in 2018 with 51.1%, Tawana Walter-Cadien in both 2016 (57.3%) and 2014 (62.2%).