[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                 Russia

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today President Biden had the first of his 
meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He certainly has many 
important messages to convey to Mr. Putin about ongoing cyber attacks 
against us and our allies, the murdering of peaceful political 
opponents, and potential areas where we may be able to work together to 
deal with nuclear proliferation. The important discussion comes after 
several days where President Biden reaffirmed our relationship with our 
most important allies, those in the G7 and NATO. There were important 
announcements about leading the global COVID vaccine effort and 
standing up to the outrages perpetrated by nations around the world. 
But perhaps what was most important was that President Biden reasserted 
America's role as a leading champion of democracy, security, and 
international norms.
  I hope this spells an end--and I believe it does--of the unimaginable 
events that occurred in the previous administration: Coddling a foreign 
dictator such as Putin, dismissing our closest allies, and threatening 
the critical North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
  President Biden knows that America's leadership and its example are 
critical in leading shared efforts to stop this pandemic, tackle 
climate change, push back on rogue nations, and maintain global norms 
of behavior. President Biden also knows that how we manage our 
democracy here at home affects our ability to lead abroad.
  The last administration bullied our allies, who watched in disbelief 
as it cozied up to the autocrats around the world. I have often said 
that a great deal of America's influence around the world comes from 
the power of its ideals and values--critical and precious assets that 
we must nurture and never take for granted.
  Our historic peaceful transfer of power has been a marvel for 
generations for much of the world. I will never forget the power and 
emotion felt walking with my friend the late Senator John McCain 
through Ukraine's Maidan square, looking at the makeshift memorials to 
those who lost their lives hoping for a free and democratic Ukraine.
  John McCain once said:

       America's greatest strength has always been its hopeful 
     vision of human progress.

  I couldn't agree more. I couldn't be more proud that President Biden 
is reaffirming this belief on the world stage this week. So let me take 
this moment to commend the President and his team for a timely, 
critical, and important visit with international allies and adversaries 
in recent days. It won't solve all the problems we face, but we can be 
proud of this example of American leadership, generosity, and decency.