Casten Condemns Unprovoked Russian Military Invasion, Calls for Crippling Sanctions and International Support for Ukraine
Downers Grove, IL – ??Today, Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement following the unprovoked Russian military attack on UkraineCongressman Casten said, "I stand in unity with my colleagues in Congress, President Biden, and our international partners in support of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin has chosen to reject diplomacy, the foundations of the international order, and the sovereign rights of Ukraine and its citizens with his tyrannical decision to invade Ukraine.
"This unprovoked assault on Ukraine and its people is a violation of international law.
"The United States and our allies must remain steadfast in our assistance to the Ukrainian people and our commitment to hold Russia accountable. Together, we will act decisively to impose crippling sanctions against Russia, reinforce Ukraine's defensive capabilities, and provide the necessary humanitarian and financial assistance to ensure Ukraine can persevere through this offensive against global liberty.
"Putin has thrust Ukraine into a position of defending itself against an undemocratic autocrat with only his pursuit of power in mind. But this is about more than Ukraine. This is about whether democratic governments, committed to the rule of law will prevail as they have over the last 70 years, or if instead we will see the return of authoritarianism and autocracy, and great powers who meddle in the affairs of other nations solely for the benefit of their own corruption.
"Less than 3 years ago, it was our own government who was willing to risk Ukrainian security in order to secure an assault on our democracy. Ukraine stood up for democracy and the rule of law in that moment. We will now return the favor and stand up to protect theirs.
"My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian-Americans in Illinois with loved ones braving this assault on global peace, security, and their homes."
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