Elected officials from Georgia issued statements Thursday, following the news of the escalation in Ukraine by Russia on Wednesday evening.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff released the following statement:
“Vladimir Putin’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered the peace in Europe. Innocent Ukrainians have been and will be killed, maimed, dispossessed, and displaced by the Russian Federation’s military assault, while the world faces the risks of a refugee crisis and broader instability or conflict.
“I expect to be briefed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley at 5 p.m. today along with other members of the Senate on the Administration’s planned economic and diplomatic response as well as steps to reinforce our NATO allies.
“I urge U.S. diplomats, intelligence professionals, and military leaders to sustain the vigilance and diplomacy necessary to avoid unintentional escalation that could imperil global security.
“The NATO alliance is vital and inviolable. Putin’s military aggression requires NATO urgently to revitalize its collective strength while we reaffirm our absolute commitment to mutual defense for every NATO member.”
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock:
“I condemn Russia’s unjust military attack on Ukraine in the strongest terms. Their invasion is a violation of both Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law, and the United States and the international community cannot tolerate Russia’s choice to pursue a premeditated war of aggression.”
“The United States must continue to stand with Ukraine. I support the efforts already underway to bolster Ukraine’s defense forces, including the provision of American defense aid. I also strongly support the imposition of severe sanctions on Russia to compel President Putin to cease this catastrophic effort and to hold him and his allies accountable.”
Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1)
“Putin’s reign of terror is upending European life even as we speak. Before party, we are Americans, and it is our duty to ruthlessly defend freedom. The United States, the leader of the free world, cannot turn a blind eye to Ukraine’s suffering.”
“President Biden, please fulfill your duty as commander in chief. Congress stands at the ready to support. The world is watching, and praying, for peace.”
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) released the following statement:
“Last night, Russian military forces began an unprovoked and unconscionable attack on the people of Ukraine. The world watched as Ukrainian homes were bombed, as rockets and shells terrorized, and as Russian soldiers invaded the sovereign country of Ukraine.
“The United States, its Allies, and its partners must continue to stand united as we strive for peace and prosperity in the region and around the globe.
“President Putin has demonstrated a disregard for the lives, safety, and sovereignty of our fellow humans in an act that will continue to cause death and destruction. The world mourns the suffering Russia’s aggression will bring, and our prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend their home.”
Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-7):
“In recent months, President Putin has employed misinformation and revisionist history to escalate tensions in Eastern Europe and destabilize Ukraine and the post-Cold War order. Russia’s increasing military presence in the region must be met with swift and assertive action by the United States and NATO allies.
“The Biden administration has pursued diplomacy at every opportunity, and the sanctions imposed on investments and trade in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions are a good first step, but further action is necessary to impose a significant cost on Russia for its aggression.
“Americans are not immune to the effects of this conflict and its potential impact on the global economy, including increased energy prices. At this critical moment, the international community must remain united and forcefully respond to Russian encroachments on Ukrainian sovereignty, while working to resolve this situation as peacefully as possible. Autocrats across the globe are watching.”
Congressman Austin Scott (GA-8):
“Innocent people are dead in Ukraine due to power-hungry Vladimir Putin’s obsession with recreating the former Soviet Union. For weeks, the world has watched Russia’s military build-up on Ukraine’s border. I am disgusted by the unnecessary loss of life in Ukraine we have seen so far. I am praying for all Americans who were unable to get out of the region in time, and I urge the State Department to help. I am also praying for the brave people of Ukraine who are fighting and dying on the front line of freedom.”
Congressman David Scott (GA-13):
“Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine is an attack on democracy in the name of authoritarianism. In this dark hour, the global leadership of the United States and our allies will prove crucial to support the Ukrainian people in their fight to self-determine their future and to impose severe consequences on Russia and Putin himself for pursuing this unwarranted war of choice.
“As the Biden-Harris administration’s latest punishing sanctions and their immediate impact on the Russian economy make clear that the U.S. is prepared to use the full range of economic tools at our disposal to hold Russia accountable, I join President Biden and our allies around the world in demanding an end to this senseless violence.
“May God bless the people of a free Ukraine as the world stands with them in their fight for sovereignty.”
