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Public disputes concerning Russia, including its government, institutions, officials and citizens, and disputes over Russia's relations with other states.
Counts show individual statements. They do not assign an overall position.
2 statements on this page. Dates: October 11, 2026 to October 21, 2026
2 matching statements. Dates: October 11, 2026 to October 21, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: October 11, 2026 to October 21, 2026
2 published statements. Dates: October 11, 2026 to October 21, 2026
2 statements on this page. Dates: October 11, 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, 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.
