Senate passes resolution condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine

The Senate cleared a resolution Thursday night condemning Russia's "provocative actions" against Ukraine, after Moscow seized three of the country's ships.

The Senate cleared the non-binding resolution spearheaded by Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) by unanimous consent as it wrapped up its business for the week.

Johnson said Russian President Vladimir Putin is "testing the West," and that he was "pleased the Senate spoke with one voice to reaffirm our support for the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian government and Ukraine’s territorial integrity."

“Today, the Senate took action and sent a clear message to Putin that his government’s aggression against Ukraine in the Sea of Azov will not be tolerated. We strongly condemn any military action taken by Russia to unilaterally rewrite international rules,” Murphy added.

The resolution "strongly condemns" Russia's actions and urges the country to release crew members. It also warns Russia that the confrontation off the coast of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula is "destabilizing" the region and "invites further escalation."