Roskam: Russian Obstruction Should Not be Tolerated

Statement

Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement on the Administration's economic aid package for Ukraine and the need for America to stand with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

"I have been gravely concerned about the actions Russia has taken to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is past time for the Administration and our allies to put a stop to Vladimir Putin's bullying. For too long, President Obama has been willing to overlook a worldwide pattern of bad behavior from Russia in the pursuit of an enigmatic reset. The Administration has an opportunity to restore American credibility worldwide by taking an unequivocal stand against Russia's unwarranted aggression which threatens regional stability and U.S. interests overseas.

"I welcome the economic aid package Secretary Lew announced today and look forward to working with my colleagues to put together further aid to Ukraine and sanctions to punish Russia. The US, and our European partners must exert the political and economic pressure to force the withdrawal of Russian troops from Crimea in order to give Ukrainians the ability to make needed democratic reforms and repair their economy without outside interference. We must reassure our friends in the region who want to engage more with the West, like Georgia and Moldova, that obstruction from Russia will not be tolerated."

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