Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), alongside the NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation leads Representatives Mike Turner (OH-10) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and a bipartisan coalition including Representatives Don Bacon (NE-2), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Joe Wilson (SC-2), , introduced the Russian-Occupied Territory Non-Recognition Resolution—a defining statement of U.S. policy against Russia’s illegal war of aggression.
This resolution establishes that it shall be the exclusive policy of the United States to reject any and all claims made by the Russian Federation over sovereign Ukrainian territory—including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. It ensures that no U.S. action or policy will imply recognition of Russia’s illegal occupations and cements America’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity, and international law.
“The United States must never recognize Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine—just as we never recognized the Soviet Union’s annexation of the Baltic states,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “Borders cannot be redrawn by force. Ukraine’s sovereignty is inviolable, its independence is absolute, and any attempt to legitimize Russia’s aggression is a betrayal of international law and democratic values.”
"Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. As Russia continues its brutal and unprovoked assault, the United States must stand firm in our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. We cannot abandon Ukraine in its fight for survival. This resolution makes clear that we will not accept Putin’s illegal attempts to redraw borders by force. America and our allies must remain resolute in defending democracy and the international order, “ said Rep. Turner.
“The American commitment to Ukraine and its territorial integrity must be lasting and ironclad,” said Rep. Connolly. “We must reiterate, for however long it takes, that we will never recognize any sham Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory – not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Our resolution sends a clear message that we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends in Ukraine as they fight for their survival, their freedom, and their democracy.”
A Direct Response to Russia’s Violations of International Law
Since 2014, Russia has flagrantly violated the United Nations Charter and international law, launching an unprovoked war of aggression, illegally annexing Ukrainian territory, and using sham referenda to manufacture a false sense of legitimacy. This resolution reaffirms the fundamental principle of international law: ex injuria jus non oritur—illegal acts create no legal rights.
“We will never allow history to be rewritten through coercion and war,” Fitzpatrick declared. “The world has seen this playbook before, and every time we ignore it, authoritarianism expands and peace erodes. Ukraine’s fight is not just for its own future—it is for the future of democracy itself.”
The resolution explicitly states Ukraine’s borders, as established in 1991, remain Ukrainian—regardless of Russia’s illegal military occupation, political manipulation, or attempts at forced annexation.
It further rejects any U.S. policy or action that implies recognition of Russia’s territorial claims and reaffirms that:
- Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
- No Russian annexation—past, present, or future—will ever be legitimized.
- A just and lasting peace must hold Russia accountable and reinforce international law.
“This is about Peace Through Strength,” Fitzpatrick declared. “This is about Patriotic Common Sense. America must always stand against tyranny and stand for freedom. That is non-negotiable.”
Background:
This resolution was directly informed by discussions at the Munich Security Conference and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels last month, where Fitzpatrick, Member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, led key transatlantic discussions on countering Russian aggression and reinforcing NATO unity.
During these meetings, Fitzpatrick met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. He also held a critical strategic meeting with General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s top military commander, to discuss long-term defense planning and economic stabilization efforts.
Fitzpatrick has served on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) since 2021, where he has played a key role in overseeing the 18-agency U.S. Intelligence Community. His work has focused on countering cybersecurity threats, election interference, terrorism, and foreign intelligence operations that endanger U.S. national security.
In February, House leadership selected Fitzpatrick as Chairman of the HPSCI’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Subcommittee, a highly sought-after post charged with overseeing all CIA operations, including international covert missions.
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Fitzpatrick has been a relentless advocate for ensuring the United States remains resolute in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and fight against tyranny.
Prior to serving in Congress, Fitzpatrick spent 14 years as an FBI Special Agent and Federal Prosecutor, working to combat corruption, counterterrorism, and counterintelligence. He was embedded with U.S. Special Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing intelligence support for critical missions, and served as National Director for the FBI’s Campaign Finance and Election Crimes Enforcement Program. His expertise has earned national recognition for strengthening the integrity of governmental institutions.
With a proven record of leadership in intelligence and national security, Fitzpatrick remains committed to ensuring that the United States remains the world’s leading force for stability, security, and democracy.
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