WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three of the four members of Maine’s Congressional delegation traveled to Eastern Europe over the weekend to learn more about the military and humanitarian efforts underway in the region amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 

A group of U.S senators returned on Sunday, while a group of members from the House will return later this week.

Members of the Senate group, which included Maine’s Susan Collins (R) and Angus King, an independent, held a press conference on Monday to discuss their trip. Maine 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree (D)  is traveling with the group from the House and will return to the U.S. in a few days. Though the groups traveled separately, both made stops in Germany and Poland. 

“The most memorable conversation I had in Poland was with a young mother with two young children at a refugee welcome center, just a few miles from the Ukrainian border,” Collins said. “She said to me, ‘I want to live in peace. I want to be back in Ukraine, but I have to keep my children safe.’ ” 

“Clearly, the best way to end this humanitarian crisis is to end Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified war on a free, sovereign, and democratic country. Every moment counts, and if we delay, thousands more innocent Ukrainians will die. This extraordinary trip only redoubled my belief that we have to do all that we can in terms of providing weapons and humanitarian assistance to the brave people of Ukraine,” she said.

Collins' interaction with Ukrainian refugees took place at a processing center near the Ukrainian-Polish border. The senators were able to see how relief organizations have been working with the Polish military and the government to care for Ukrainians who’ve fled their homes. The senators also met with volunteers from the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that has been feeding refugees from Ukraine. 

King, the only independent to travel with the Senate group, said he wants to investigate how long it takes for congressionally approved financial and military aid to reach Ukraine. Several other senators also expressed concern that aid is taking too long to arrive in Ukraine.

“Vladimir Putin’s deadly invasion has created unspeakable tragedy and unshakeable unity – and during this (trip), we saw both on display,” King said. “This unprovoked Russian war has displaced millions of Ukrainians – primarily women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable people who want nothing more than to peacefully return to their homes and normal lives. This immense suffering is unimaginable – and wholly unnecessary.

“A first-hand look at the situation makes it clear that our efforts are making a real impact — but also underscores that we must prioritize delivering on the aid and weaponry they need to stand strong against Russia’s aggression.”

While in Germany, the Senate group also met with U.S. military leaders, U.S. ambassador Amy Gutmann and visited a U.S. Army base. 

The traveling group of House members also made stops in Germany and Poland. Pingree characterized their week-long trip as a “fact-finding” mission. 

“We’re here so we can come back home with answers for our constituents by getting first-hand information from people on the ground,” Pingree said. “We will be able to better explain how our efforts to support Ukraine and our NATO allies are being implemented, and most importantly, we are learning what more can be done.”

The House group began its trip by spending two days in Poland meeting with U.S. and NATO forces on the ground. While there, members also visited the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw; met with U.S. troops, including 82nd Airborne service members from Maine; received multiple briefings on NATO efforts to support Ukraine; and visited the same train station as their Senate counterparts. 

The group begins the second leg of its trip on Tuesday and plans to visit several other European countries through Thursday. 

The only member of Maine’s congressional delegation that didn’t travel to Eastern Europe was Rep. Jared Golden. A spokesperson for the Democrat said that Golden was unable to go after testing positive for COVID-19 on March 15.