Missouri congressional delegation issue statements on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri's congressional delegation has issued statements regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) released the following statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an assault against democracy and a destabilizing threat to all of Europe with worldwide ramifications. Our adversaries and allies alike are watching how we respond. We must work with our allied nations to hold Russia accountable. That includes crippling economic sanctions and direct support for Ukraine. A failure to act forcefully will only embolden Russia and other authoritarian nations that seek to undermine peace and democracy around the world.
For almost eight decades, Western Europe has been a united force with U.S. leadership. It’s important that our newest NATO allies understand our steadfast defensive military commitment to them at this critical moment.
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) released a statement on Russia's invasion of Ukraine:
Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine and invasion of its territory must be met with strong American resolve. President Biden must act now to hit Vladimir Putin where it hurts, beginning with Russia’s energy sector. The Biden Administration should sanction Russian energy production to a halt, and help arm the Ukrainians to defend themselves. At the same time, the White House should reopen American energy production in full. This is the time to show Russia and the world that America will not reward aggression and it will not be dependent on its enemies.
Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-St.Louis) released the following statement regarding last night’s Russian invasion of Ukraine:
Putin’s murderous dictatorship is killing people right now in a brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Now is the time for us to act with moral clarity. We must use every tool to save lives and promote diplomacy — not military escalation or inhumane sanctions.
Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-Ballwin) Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after Russia invaded Ukraine:
The Putin regime stands alone during this act of evil. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a barbaric attack that must be condemned internationally and punished with immediate financial isolation through crippling sanctions and export controls.
We fully support the Ukrainian people as they fight against this wholly unprovoked and unwarranted declaration of war.
Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) released the following statement regarding last night’s Russian invasion of Ukraine:
— Blaine Luetkemeyer (@RepBlaine) February 24, 2022
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Harrisonville) released the following statement regarding last night’s Russian invasion of Ukraine:
The heinous invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin warrants a fury of sanctions to be imposed on the Russian regime.
This moment is yet another test for President Biden on the world stage. China and our other adversaries are closely watching our nation’s response. I urge the president to enact severe sanctions to swiftly decimate Putin’s further capabilities.
Now, more than ever, Biden must also embrace energy independence for America.
To the Ukrainian people: I stand with you and pray for your health, safety, and freedom as you defend your homeland from this baseless Russian invasion.
U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Kansas City) released the following statement after Russia began an unprovoked and unconscionable invasion of Ukraine.
Today, my heart and my prayers are with the proud people of Ukraine. As they are forced to take up arms to defend their homeland from an unprovoked and unconscionable act of war, the rest of the world must stand united in condemnation and rejection of Russia’s aggression.
With this premeditated decision to spill the innocent blood of a peaceful and prosperous nation in an attempt to reshape the world order, the despot of Moscow has reserved his place in history among the worst of humankind. He must—and will—be held accountable to the fullest extent possible for this despicable attempt to oppress an independent nation.
Every generation is tasked with defending freedom from the ever-encroaching threat of tyranny and despotism. This is our moment. Now, more than ever, Americans, our NATO allies, and those who value self-determination must come together with an ironclad commitment to defend the values so many of our countrymen have sacrificed for.
As sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, Putin will increase efforts to sow division around the globe and grow his sphere of influence. We must resist the temptations to turn on each other and, instead, turn our ire toward the true threat to our freedoms at home and abroad.
If anyone in the Fifth District has family or friends in the conflict zone or in need of assistance, please reach out to my district offices immediately.
Congressman Sam Graves (R-Tarkio) released a statement condemning Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of the independent republic of Ukraine:
The free people of the world stand with the citizens of Ukraine in the face of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion. We must support our NATO allies in the region and immediately act together to enact the strongest possible sanctions to cripple Putin’s ability to make war. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2008 and 2014.
Congressman Billy Long (R-Springfield) issued a statement following the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
The intelligence Congress was privy to was stellar,” Congressman Long said. “Unfortunately we knew for months that this invasion was coming, and the Biden Administration did very little to stop it. We should have issued severe sanctions against Russia before this invasion occurred, and not waited until after the fact. President Biden has not shown leadership throughout this situation, and it all started when he weakened our national security by reducing American energy production, which increased our reliance on Russian oil. This, coupled with President Biden’s lifting of Nord Stream 2 sanctions, gave Putin exactly what he wanted: more control over Europe and the United States. President Biden should never have lifted those sanctions and lessened our energy independence. This is exactly why energy independence is important to our national security.
Congressman Jason Smith (R-Salem) issued a statement following the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
Praying for the safety of the Ukrainian people.