Sen. Cramer Releases Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and bipartisan Senate Ukraine Caucus, issued the following statement in response to Vladimir Putin’s apparent declaration of war:

“It’s crystal clear Vladimir Putin harbors fantasies of reuniting the Soviet Union, and now he’s translated this fantasy into action. He has absolutely no right to invade Ukraine’s sovereign borders and impose Russia’s will on the freedom-loving people of Ukraine. The United States fiercely condemns this violent action and stands strongly in support of Ukraine,” said Senator Cramer. “We needed sanctions months ago to ward off exactly this type of action. Now that Putin has taken these steps we must implement strong, primary and secondary sanctions immediately. Our response here is greater than Russia and Ukraine; what we choose to do will also send a message to China on Taiwan.”

Background:

In January, Senator Cramer traveled to Ukraine on a bipartisan CODEL and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm the U.S.’ commitment to Ukraine. During the meeting, the senators expressed strong solidarity with Ukraine in the face of increased Russian aggression, including further military buildup on the Ukraine-Russia border as well as the ongoing conflict in Donbas and purported annexation of Crimea.

Senator Cramer joined the bipartisan Senate Ukraine Caucus last month. Launched in 2015, the goal of the bipartisan Senate Ukraine Caucus is to strengthen the political, military, economic, and cultural relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine.