WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, released the below statement in support of an independent and sovereign Ukraine as Vladimir Putin continues his unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine:

“The United States continues to stand with the Ukrainian people and for an independent and sovereign Ukraine.

“The U.S., along with its NATO allies and partners will stay focused on holding Putin accountable for his unprovoked and unjustified invasion.

“The U.S. will also stay responsive to the Ukrainian government’s legitimate requests for humanitarian, military, diplomatic and financial aid. To date, the U.S. has provided approximately $1 billion in aid to Ukraine, and Congress will soon consider sending more humanitarian, military and financial aid to the country.  

“The U.S. will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to respond to Putin’s attack. The financial sanctions the U.S. placed on Russia, its oligarchs and its autocratic leader are starting to take hold, further isolating Russia from the world. I was pleased to see the Administration announce additional measures to increase economic pressure on Russia’s autocratic regime by blocking Russian aircraft from U.S. airspace.

“Russia’s attack is felt far beyond Ukraine’s borders, including by the 100,000 Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans who call Washington home. The U.S. will continue to support Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons with aid, as well as Ukrainians unable to safely return to their home country. I support the Administration’s decision to offer temporary protected status to Ukrainian nationals in Puget Sound and across the U.S. on temporary student, tourist or business visas.

“Whether it takes two days, two weeks, two months or two years, the situation in Ukraine is not over until an independent and sovereign Ukraine has its boundaries back and the continued freedom to choose its own leaders and future. I will stand with Ukraine no matter how long it takes.

“Slava Ukraini!”

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