Gallego Statement on Announced Russian Sanctions: ‘Putin must experience swift and serious consequences’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Chairman of the House Armed Services Intelligence and Special Operations subcommittee and Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus, released the following statement on the further invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the sanctions announced by the White House.
“Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine should enrage supporters of democracy all over the world. When the Soviet Union collapsed, Ukraine sought to forge its own path: a path toward democracy. Now, with an autocratic leader determined to chase his nostalgic memories of the USSR’s past, Russia’s actions will change European security in the most significant way since the end of World War II.
“It’s up to the U.S. and all those who believe in democracy to support our Ukrainian partners and surrounding NATO allies. Putin must experience swift and serious consequences for his actions including crippling sanctions against Russia, its banks, and its leaders—and President Biden’s actions today will do just that. I strongly support the President’s announcement of these sanctions and his plan to bolster U.S. troop presence in NATO countries, including the Baltic states. Additionally, we must continue arming Ukraine with the weapons to defend themselves, support our NATO allies, and help neighboring countries manage the potential flow of refugees across their borders.
“It is my sacred commitment to stand up for democracy and against oppression, and I will never back down from that. I will do all I can to continue engaging my colleagues in Congress, counterparts in the White House, partners in Ukraine, and allies in NATO to ensure the Kremlin immediately regrets its reckless and despicable actions.”
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Rep. Ruben Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.