As Russian Aggression Escalates in Ukraine, Ayotte Calls for Immediate Implementation of Tougher Sanctions

Statement

As Russia continues to escalate aggression against Ukraine, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte today renewed her call for the president to immediately impose tougher sanctions on Russia. During the past several days, Russian-backed armed military agents and pro-Russian separatists have continued to foment unrest in eastern Ukraine, where they have attacked or occupied police facilities and other government buildings and where a violent outbreak reportedly led to the death of a Ukrainian security officer. The Russian-fueled instability has forced the Ukrainian military to launch an operation in eastern Ukraine to re-take government buildings.

"The administration should not delay any longer in imposing immediate and severe sanctions on Russia's banking and financial sector," said Ayotte. "The legislation I'm crafting would impose immediate additional sanctions on the Russian economy, with even harsher sanctions - such as on Russia's energy sector - if Putin takes further aggressive actions against Ukraine. My proposal would also authorize provisions to provide critical support to the Ukrainian military. We must act now - before it's too late."

Last week, Ayotte announced she is crafting a bill that would prohibit U.S. banks from transacting with sanctioned Russian banks, as well as bar new investments by U.S. citizens in the Russian Federation -- including commitments of funds or other assets, loans or any other extensions of credit. These sanctions would remain in place until Russia has withdrawn its armed forces from Crimea. Russia would be subject to additional severe economic sanctions - such as on Russia's energy sector-should Putin make any further aggressive actions against or intrusions into Ukrainian territory.

Ayotte's legislation also contains provisions to provide the Ukrainian military with certain materials, including: medical supplies, clothing and individual equipment, Meals Ready to Eat, communications equipment, mine detection equipment, water containers and purification stations, certain small arms, and generators.

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