Burgess rejects Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Statement

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement in response to Russia launching a full scale invasion into Ukraine.

"The true cost of squandering America's energy independence is now on display with Putin's criminal invasion of a sovereign state," said Burgess. "Ukraine is a free nation led by a democratically elected government. This is a threat to Putin and his desire to bring back the borders of the Soviet Union. In 1975, the Soviet Union, other European states, the United States, and Canada signed the Helsinki Final Act delineating respect for the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of signatories and rejecting the use of force or intervention in internal affairs of other countries. There are now 57 signatories to the Helsinki Final Act, including Russia and an independent Ukraine. This invasion is a blatant violation of this long-standing international agreement.

"Putin's inexcusable reason for this invasion demonstrates his disregard for self-determination and the international liberal order established by the United States and our allies after World War II. We established NATO specifically to counter Russian influence and aggression, and Putin has brought war to NATO's doorstep. He refused to engage in sincere diplomatic discussions while deceiving the Russian people with propaganda to justify this illegitimate war. Now Putin has detained hundreds of Russians protesting his aggression.

"Today, President Biden announced additional sanctions on Russia. The establishment of sanctions is important, but the truth is they can be made much more consequential for Russia. Stopping our exports to Russia is a must, but we also must stop receiving exports from Russia. Now more than ever we must regain our energy independence so that we can protect the national security interests of the United States and our allies.

"The United States must stand with the Ukrainian people and reject Russia's blatant, unprovoked invasion of an independent country. I can think of no better way to do that than with the United States establishing itself as the main exporter of energy so the world is no longer beholden to the whims of an egotistical tyrant."

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