‘Affront to freedom and democracy’: Area lawmakers condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine

Federal legislators representing the Mahoning Valley on Thursday each condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Cleveland, D-Ohio

• “Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine is an affront to freedom and democracy the world over. This attack will be met with united, decisive action by the United States and our allies. Vladimir Putin chose war, he is unleashing senseless death and destruction on the Ukrainian people, and he will face the consequences. President Biden has made it clear the U.S. and our allies and partners will impose the strongest sanctions Russia has ever seen, and I will work with the Biden Administration to implement them against Russian officials and oligarchs who prop up Putin’s regime. Now is not the moment for partisan division — Americans stand united with all our NATO allies, and we pray for the people of Ukraine.”

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Marietta, R-Ohio

• “We’ve seen nothing like this in Europe since World War II. And there is only one person responsible for the tragedy unfolding in Eastern Europe: Vladimir Putin. Thinking about the unnecessary loss of life and suffering that will occur in Ukraine is very somber. I call on President Biden and his team, working with our allies across the globe, to impose immediate, tougher — as harsh as possible — sanctions and export controls to create more of an effective deterrent on Putin’s tyranny. What has been tried thus far clearly did not work. There are millions of innocent civilians who don’t want conflict. There are no winners in war, only horrific death and catastrophic destruction. We pray that the Ukrainian people will muster the courage and strength they need in this dark time.”

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-Ohio

• “Vladimir Putin’s insatiable pursuit of power has driven him to a decision that will kill innocent men, women and children in a democratic nation. The United States, in coordination with our European allies, must impose the strongest possible sanctions and work swiftly to make him pay for the pain and suffering he has already caused and will continue to cause. Andrea and I are praying for the Ukrainian people and our Ukrainian-American friends and neighbors who are watching these events unfold in horror. We stand with you today and every day. Make no mistake: Putin will regret this decision.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly of Butler, R-Pennsylvania

• “Russia’s unprovoked and unnecessary attack of Ukraine poses a threat to freedom in Europe and to America’s NATO allies in the region. I call on the Biden administration and NATO partners to lead a swift response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. We cannot allow Putin to bully and intimidate the world into getting what he wants. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. Moreover, I fear Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is just the start of a global threat against the United States and democracy. China continues to threaten Taiwan; we must also continue to take Iran and North Korea seriously. Foretold is forewarned. The global storm clouds are gathering, and the U.S. must be ready.”