Keating Statement on New European Union Sanctions Against Russia

Statement

Below is a statement from Rep. Bill Keating, Ranking Member of the Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, on the European Union's announcement of new sanctions on Russia in response to its illegal actions in Ukraine.

"I applaud the European Union for today announcing tough new sanctions against Vladimir Putin's regime in Russia.

The sanctions will aggressively target a range of sectors -- including energy, financial and defense -- and will make it harder for Putin and his cronies to continue their campaign of aggression, which tragically has resulted in more than 1,000 deaths in Ukraine and the needless killing of 298 people on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 earlier this month.

The Putin regime has been put on notice: the international community will no longer tolerate Russian violations of international law, including the illegal occupation of Crimea. The U.S. government and its allies must be prepared to impose even stronger sanctions if the Russians do not change course.

I and the American people stand with the government and people of Ukraine -- and all of Europe -- as they defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right to determine their own future free of outside pressure."

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