Washington representatives’ thoughts on Russia’s attacks on Ukraine
As Russian troops advanced on Ukraine’s capital Feb. 24, political leaders from across the globe promised to unify to take unequivocal action and condemn Vladimir Putin’s attack.
The U.S. joined 27 members of the European Union, as well as Japan and the United Kingdom announced an array of sanctions against Russia. The measures target financial institutions that Russia relies on, including various banks.
According to the Ukrainian Association of Washington, there are about 100,000 people of Ukrainian descent in the state.
Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler and other state representatives called for the U.S. to band together with NATO allies and other democratic countries to support Ukraine.
“Ukraine is a proud and sovereign nation. Vladimir Putin ignored Ukrainians’ decision to live in a democracy and be free,” Cantwell wrote Thursday. “Instead, Putin chose war. His invasion of Ukraine marks another very dark moment in the history of Europe.”
“This conflict is totally fabricated but its human toll will be very real. Swift measures must be taken to inflict severe and devastating sanctions—Russia must pay a crippling price for invading a sovereign democracy unprovoked,” Murray wrote. “This is a time for our country and the world to stand united—in strong support of Ukraine and firmly against Putin and his cronies.”
“Freedom loving people everywhere stand with Ukraine and its citizens. We support their ability to defend themselves, and we will hold Vladimir Putin accountable for this unjustified aggression,” Herrera Beutler tweeted Thursday.
Cantwell urged Ukrainian-Americans in Washington to contact her office at 206-220-6400 or casework@cantwell.senate.gov if they need help.
Lauren Ellenbecker
Lauren Ellenbecker is a politics reporter for The Columbian.