US Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Against Recognizing Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Territories

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced a resolution reaffirming that the official policy of the United States is to neither recognize nor take any actions that imply recognition of Russia’s claims over Ukraine’s occupied territories.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican member of the US House of Representatives, announced the resolution on his Facebook page on March 19.

Fitzpatrick emphasized that Ukraine’s sovereignty remains undisputed and its independence absolute. He stated that any recognition of Russia’s territorial claims would contradict international law and democratic principles.

“Just as we refused to recognize the Soviet annexation of the Baltic states, we must never legitimize Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Borders cannot be redrawn by force. Ukraine’s sovereignty is inviolable, its independence absolute, and any attempt to recognize Russia’s claims is a betrayal of international law and democratic values,” Fitzpatrick stated.

The resolution explicitly reaffirms that Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, established in 1991, remain unchanged regardless of Russia’s military occupation, political maneuvers, or attempts at annexation. It further rejects any US policy or action that acknowledges Russia’s territorial claims and confirms the following positions:

• Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.

• No past, present, or future Russian annexation will be recognized.

• A just and lasting peace requires holding Russia accountable and upholding international law.

The resolution was introduced by Fitzpatrick alongside Republican Congressman Mike Turner, who leads the US delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly. Other co-sponsors include Representatives Don Bacon, Brendan Boyle, Chrissy Houlahan, Steny Hoyer, Marcy Kaptur, Mike Lawler, and Joe Wilson.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, “We will never” recognize Russian control over occupied territories, emphasizing Ukraine’s legal stance. In an NBC News interview, he responded to calls for concessions, stressing that diplomacy, especially NATO membership, could help resolve the issue while minimizing losses.