With Russia’s full fledged invasion into Ukraine over the last 24 hours, Arizona’s Democratic Congressional Delegation has released statements condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions and supporting the reactions of the Biden/Harris Administration and the other N.A.T.O. member states.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema posted:
Statement on Russia's Attacks on Ukraine pic.twitter.com/02TRLcACdv
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) February 24, 2022
Senator Mark Kelly issued several posts including:
The United States, alongside our NATO allies, must be resolute in our support for the Ukrainian people. And we must work to quickly impose the maximum sanctions on Putin and the Russian government.
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) February 24, 2022
Putin has chosen a devastating and illegal war. He bears responsibility and must be held to account.
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) February 24, 2022
CD-7 Representative Ruben Gallego posted a statement from the House Armed Services Democrats:
Strong leaders uphold the rule of law and care about preserving innocent human life.
Weak leaders treat people with cruelty and ignore norms, principles, and fair play.
With his aggression toward Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has again revealed himself as a weak leader. pic.twitter.com/77TduonA0p
— House Armed Services Democrats (@HASCDemocrats) February 24, 2022
Arizona Congressional District Three Representative Raul Grijalva issued a statement:
“Putin’s military invasion of Ukraine is unraveling a global security crisis. I urge President Biden, Russia, Ukraine, and our NATO allies to pursue all diplomatic efforts to end this conflict without further bloodshed. I support the Biden administration’s efforts to work with presidents and defense ministers in the European Union and Baltic region as regional leadership will be key to ending this conflict. Russia must pull its troops out of Ukraine, including its so-called peacekeeping forces, stop the authoritarian power grab, and engage in good faith negotiations.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not a sign of global power, but of fear and its waning influence in the world. The Ukrainian people protested, fought, and threw out a Russian-backed government in favor of a government rooted in democracy. As a sovereign nation, the people of Ukraine have the right to self-determination and self-governance. Russia’s latest actions to recognize “independent states” in Ukraine are without merit and in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law. Russia must return to the negotiating table and compromise on its unrealistic and untenable set of demands that leave no room for Ukraine to dictate its own path.
This attack on Ukraine imposes unnecessary human suffering and increases political, economic, and social instability in the region. I strongly oppose any new U.S. troop deployments to NATO countries, indiscriminate sanctions that disproportionately harm civilians and sending additional weaponry that only raises tensions and increases the chance of miscalculation. The U.S. must continue to pursue targeted economic sanctions on Vladmir Putin, Russian oligarchs and the Russian military industrial complex to deter war. I urge President Biden to pass critical climate and renewable energy legislation to wean our dependency on autocratic regimes for fossil fuels and cooperate with our partners and allies to pursue green energy to further strengthen our national security. Supporting strategic diplomatic negotiations is the only path forward that will not cause further humanitarian disaster.”
Arizona Congressional District One Representative Tom O’Halleran also issued a statement which read:
“Vladimir Putin is a rogue leader who has continually lied to his own people, to the people of Ukraine, and to the people of the world, and we must treat criminals and liars as such. The United States must swiftly implement robust sanctions against Russia and ensure Putin is further isolated from the international community—together, with our allies, we must send firmly the message that this will not be tolerated on the world stage. Congress must continue to support the Ukrainian people and our NATO allies, especially those who border Russia, through increased military aid. Putin’s actions are an affront to democracy worldwide and we will not allow for it. We are all praying for the safety of the children, families, and leaders of Ukraine who are facing the ravage of war brought about by a man who has no respect for human life.”
Arizona CD-NIne Representative Greg Stanton posted on social media.
My statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine: pic.twitter.com/Lb7e42Oe7Y
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) February 24, 2022
CD-2 Representative Ann Kirkpatrick did not issue a comment/statement.
Outside the Democratic Congressional Delegation, Matt Grodsky, the Vice President of Matters of State Strategies commented:
“The United States is battling authoritarianism at home and abroad. We cannot yield on either front, the world is watching. It is time for international strength with our allies. NATO should mobilize and additional sanctions should target Putin directly. We need to make it clear that rogue nations will be held accountable. The resolve of Western alliances is being tested. We must pass this test.”
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I find $$$inema’s gaslighting particularly annoying at a time like this.
If she recognizes that freedom and democracy are under attack in Ukraine, then why hasn’t she voted to save freedom and democracy in her own country? Her words are hollow and have about as much impact as one of her “Thank you, Senator Sinema” TV ads.
Russians are in the streets protesting the war while their unhinged, brutal dictator orders the destruction of a sovereign nation that he decided has no right to exist. This is what the absence of freedom and democracy looks like.
Senator Sinema needs to give that some thought.