LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement Thursday in recognition of Ukraine’s independence anniversary:

“Twenty-six years ago, the people of Ukraine broke free from the chains of Soviet rule and took up the mantle of a free and independent nation. Today, we recognize and remember their push for freedom – that most important human ambition – and recommit ourselves to standing with the Ukrainian people as that pursuit continues. The U.S.-Ukrainian relationship remains crucially important. I urge Congress to strengthen this bond through sustained support of Ukrainian defensive efforts to combat Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine, continued American non-recognition of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, and assisting the Ukrainian Government in improving its Cybersecurity strategy by passing my Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act [H.R. 1997]. Standing strong with our time-tested allies in freedom's cause is liberty's best defense.”