In a display of unity, the Senate passed a resolution condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal Tuesday.
A bipartisan measure introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham, the resolution supports an inquiry into possible war crimes committed by the Russian Federation and Putin against the people of Ukraine.
The resolution condemns “violence, war crimes,” and “crimes against humanity” at the hands of Russia and encourages international courts to investigate Putin, his security council, and Russian military leaders.
“All of us in this chamber joined together, with Democrats and Republicans, to say that Vladimir Putin cannot escape accountability for the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people,” Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech.
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The measure was quickly approved by other lawmakers and provides President Joe Biden with further political support to stand against Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
The resolution was introduced roughly two weeks ago.
Before introducing the condemnation, Graham told Fox News’s Sean Hannity, “I’m going to introduce a resolution next week — I’ll give it to you on your show — declaring that Putin is a war criminal.”
“It’s clear to me the world would be better off if the Russian people took Putin out tonight. The war in Ukraine would end, and Russia would have freedom they don’t enjoy today.”
On March 3, Graham tweeted similar language, encouraging Russians to “take [Putin] out.”
“Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country — and the world — a great service,” said Graham.
Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military?
The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out.
You would be doing your country – and the world – a great service.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2022
Multiple lawmakers responded to the controversial call to action.
“Seriously, wtf?” wrote Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Seriously, wtf? https://t.co/dcg7hpMiDB
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 4, 2022
“While we are all praying for peace & for the people of Ukraine, this is irresponsible, dangerous & unhinged. We need leaders with calm minds & steady wisdom. Not blood thirsty warmongering politicians trying to tweet tough by demanding assassinations. Americans don’t want war,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
While we are all praying for peace & for the people of Ukraine, this is irresponsible, dangerous & unhinged.
We need leaders with calm minds & steady wisdom.
Not blood thirsty warmongering politicians trying to tweet tough by demanding assassinations.
Americans don’t want war. https://t.co/l2hqiUbZGv
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) March 4, 2022
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“When has Sen. Graham encouraging regime change ever ended badly?” Rep. Matt Gaetz chimed in.
When has Sen. Graham encouraging regime change ever ended badly? https://t.co/W1SbvuMVtP
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) March 4, 2022
