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Public disputes concerning relations between states, including alliances, treaties, diplomatic recognition, and the terms on which countries associate with one another.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
4 statements on this page. Dates: September 16, 2026 to October 21, 2026
4 matching statements. Dates: September 16, 2026 to October 21, 2026
4 published statements. Dates: September 16, 2026 to October 21, 2026
4 published statements. Dates: September 16, 2026 to October 21, 2026
4 statements on this page. Dates: September 16, 2026 to October 21, 2026
Role at the time: Republican U.S. senator from Maine
Statement summary
Asked about Witkoff's remark while campaigning, Collins calls Putin a warmonger and a thug who is not a humanitarian and is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine.
“I would describe Putin as a warmonger, a thug. He's certainly not a humanitarian. He is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine.”
CBS News report on reaction to Witkoff's remark. It quotes Trump at a White House roundtable, posts by Sens. Thom Tillis, John Cornyn and Joni Ernst and Rep. Don Bacon, Sen. Susan Collins on the campaign trail, and former ambassador William Taylor in an interview with CBS News.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)The case looks at Witkoff calling Putin a humanitarian. Collins rejects that description and calls Putin a warmonger, so we labeled it a condemnation.
Role at the time: U.S. senator from Maine; signatory to the joint October 15 letter
Statement summary
Susan Collins co-signed the October 15 letter asking the Defense Department inspector general to investigate reported communications and intelligence-sharing disruptions in Ukraine. The letter questions oversight of Starlink and Starshield services.
“Any restrictions on these capabilities, particularly without advance notification, raise serious questions about the Department of Defense’s contractual oversight and its responsibility to ensure continuity of essential services.”
The signed letter asks the Department of Defense inspector general to investigate satellite-service restrictions and, separately, intelligence-sharing and warning disruptions. It asks whether the disruptions were connected rather than establishing a common cause.
The reference point is the restriction and its oversight. The signers criticize the lack of notice and question the Department of Defense response. Their investigation request leaves the cause and responsible officials unresolved.
Role at the time: U.S. senator from Maine, signing a joint statement with six senators
Statement summary
In a joint statement, Collins and six other senators say the diesel decision conflicts with the 2022 law and call for its reversal.
“President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute.”
Original public statement or recording about the Russian diesel agreement.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)The matter under scrutiny is easing sanctions to allow Russian diesel imports. The speaker criticizes or seeks reversal of that decision.
Role at the time: U.S. Senator from Maine (Republican), speaking to CBC News at the U.S. Capitol
Statement summary
CBC News reported that Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said it is unfortunate that Canada is turning toward the European Union in response to U.S. tariffs. She told CBC that the turn does not help rebuild the good relationship the two countries once had.
“That doesn't help rebuild the good relationship that we once had and that I want us to have again”
CBC News report from Washington on Sen. Susan Collins's reaction to Canada's moves toward closer ties with the European Union, with remarks from other U.S. senators on the U.S.-Canada trade dispute.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)The reference point is Canada's move toward closer ties with the European Union, including the associate-member offer made the same day. CBC reported that Collins called it unfortunate that Canada is turning toward the EU, and she said this does not help rebuild the good relationship that she wants the two countries to have again. That is criticism of the move itself, so we labeled it Condemned. The objection she gave is the effect on U.S.-Canada relations.
