Joint resolution condemning the Russian Federation’s military and political actions in Ukraine and especially their impact on Ukrainian children

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tanya Vyhovsky

Vermont condemns Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and highlights the harm to Ukrainian children, as a symbolic state endorsement of support for Ukraine without creating new programs.

Read first time, treated as a bill, and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs

Overview

JRS 42 is a joint resolution from Vermont condemning the Russian Federation’s military and political actions in Ukraine, with particular emphasis on the impact of those actions on Ukrainian children. The measure expresses a formal stance and requests or signals actions consistent with that stance. The action history shows rapid progression through committee and readings, culminating in passage on February 25, 2026, and transmission to the House.

Purpose and intent

Send a formal condemnation of Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.

Highlight and condemn the impact of Russia’s actions on Ukrainian children.

Establish a clear Vermont legislative position in support of Ukraine and Ukrainian civilians, especially children, amid the ongoing conflict.

Serve as a symbolic expression of state policy and solidarity rather than create direct government programmatic authority.

Key provisions and changes

Declaration of condemnation: The resolution states Vermont’s formal disapproval of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Emphasis on children: Specific focus on the harm to Ukrainian children resulting from the conflict.

No binding fiscal or regulatory changes: As a joint resolution, it is a symbolic statement and does not, by itself, create or fund state programs or impose new requirements on individuals or entities.

Possible requests or recommendations: Depending on the text adopted, the resolution may urge actions by state agencies, lawmakers, or the public (e.g., support for Ukraine, humanitarian aid, or public messaging), though such requests would be non-binding.

Who or what would be affected

Vermont residents and state government: The resolution communicates Vermont’s official stance and may influence related statements, memorials, or related legislative activity.

Ukrainian support efforts: Could align Vermont’s public messaging with humanitarian or diplomatic support initiatives, if pursued by subsequent actions or resolutions.

No direct regulatory or fiscal impact: The resolution itself does not create new programs or funding.

Procedural and timeline details

Initial reading and referral: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs (2026-02-26). Earlier, it was treated as a bill and referred to the Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (2026-02-24).

Committee action: Reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by the Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs (2026-02-25). The amendment was agreed to (2026-02-25).

Full chamber actions: 3rd reading approved on a roll call with yeas 28, nays 0 (2026-02-25); rules suspended to move the bill through remaining stages (2026-02-25); the bill was placed on all remaining stages of passage and read for a final time (2026-02-25); messages were sent to the House forthwith (2026-02-25).

Sponsor information: Primary sponsor is not listed; co-sponsor is Tanya Vyhovsky.

Notes

The bill passed with unanimous support in the Senate (28-0) at the final stages shown.

As a joint resolution, it carries symbolic force and expresses state sentiment rather than creating enforceable law or funding. Future related actions could stem from the resolution’s stance, but none are specified in the provided text.