Congressman Fitzpatrick, Gov. Wolf & Senators React To Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

Elected officials serving the region reacted to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began Wednesday night.

The assault on Ukraine began after weeks of increasing tensions from Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

Pennsylvania has the second largest population of people of Ukrainian heritage in the U.S.

President Joe Biden has said American soldiers would not be fighting in Ukraine, but the U.S. and allies would be imposing strict sanctions on Russia.

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Middletown Township, is a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus. He previously served in the nation when he was an FBI special agent.

Below is the statement from Fitzpatrick and other leaders of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus:

“Without provocation – and in a reprehensible violation of international law – Vladimir Putin has rejected diplomacy and chosen the path of brutal and senseless war with Ukraine. By invading Ukraine, Putin has affirmed Russia’s status as a criminally rogue state, and launched an offensive against the entire world.

“Putin has repeatedly justified his aggression with lies, but the world must understand that he spills innocent blood because freedom and democracy are his true enemies. This invasion will inflict unimaginable suffering the likes of which we have not seen in recent memory.

“The great conflicts of the past have taught us that Putin’s aggression cannot be tolerated. As missiles tear through Ukraine’s skies, and tanks begin to roll through its streets – the Free World must rise up in its defense.

“Together, the United States and our allies must unleash crippling sanctions against Russia, and swiftly bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. The security and stability of Europe – and the preservation of global liberty – are all on the line.”

Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, issued the following statement:

“I stand with President Biden in condemning the unprovoked and unjustified Russian military invasion of the independent country of Ukraine. This attack on a peaceful country is shocking and its impacts will be far reaching. 

“I urge democratic leaders across the globe to unite and respond decisively to this unjustified and unlawful attack. 

“Frances and I pray for the people of Ukraine, as well as the Pennsylvanians who have loved ones living in Ukraine.”

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, issued the following statement:

My prayers are with the Ukrainian people. 

Putin has launched a war of aggression against a neighboring state. His war will cost many thousands of innocent lives and threaten security around the world.

— Pat Toomey (US Sen. ret.) (@SenToomey) February 24, 2022

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania, issued the following statement:

“President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an aggressive escalation in his efforts to upend international order, undermine democracy and amass power at all costs. For years, Putin and his government have perpetuated hostile attacks against Ukraine and the international community, from the annexation of Crimea to sponsoring militant groups including those responsible for the deliberate downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 to interfering in U.S. elections. Putin has been emboldened by the former president, from his disturbing comments in Helsinki to his approval of the invasion earlier this week. This invasion is a clear violation of international law and it’s never been more important for democratic leaders to stand together in the face of Putin’s aggression. President Biden and international leaders have acted swiftly to impose financial sanctions and will continue to respond with major consequences for Putin’s incendiary actions.

“This invasion highlights the need to continue to strengthen the global alliance of democracies, including NATO, against authoritarianism and those regimes blatantly violating the international rules-based order and basic principles of sovereignty. The United States stands by the Ukrainian people and we will work with our allies to support their needs. Our first priority is the safety and security of the American people, especially American troops and Americans in Ukraine, but we will do all that we can to support the Ukrainian people in the face of President Putin’s unprovoked attack.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people as they face an unprovoked invasion and the consequences that will bring—from the dire impacts to their economy to the lives lost and families destroyed.”

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