WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), , Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD), released the following statement regarding Russia’s illegal recognition of the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk and imminent deployment of troops to Ukrainian territory:

Russia’s illegal recognition of the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk, and imminent deployment of troops to Ukrainian territory, are nothing short of ordering an invasion. Putin's justifications for this aggression are patently false. There are no independent regions of Ukraine, and there is no legitimate peacekeeping mission for Russia to conduct. Ukraine is not a threat to Russia, but Ukraine’s independence and democracy jeopardizes Putin’s stranglehold on power.

Ukraine’s security and its ability to exercise self-determination cannot be contingent upon Russian assent – they must be guaranteed. The Free World has a responsibility to uphold the tenants of the Budapest Memorandum and Minsk Agreement, and to defend Ukraine against imminent invasion.

To that end, we call upon the United States and its international partners to immediately: 

• Terminate the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project and develop a coordinated strategy to establish Ukraine’s energy independence.
• Impose robust global sanctions against the Russian oligarchy.
• Deliver additional land, sea, air, and cyber military assistance to Ukraine through direct funding and transfer of excess defense articles – with deliberate care to avoid unnecessary risks.
• Support Ukraine’s economy through direct investments in the public and private sectors as well as loan guarantees.
• Increase resources for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Now is the time for the Free World to rise up and act decisively in defense of liberty. By strengthening Ukraine’s position, demonstrating a unified global coalition, and forcing Putin to grasp the consequences Russia will suffer – the world may avert the breakout of war the likes of which it has not seen in nearly a century.

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