Armed Services Chairman: "Ukraine is Ukraine."

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement condemning Russia’s unlawful attempts to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory after conducting sham referenda in eastern Ukraine that earned widespread international censure. 

“The United States and the rest of the international community reject Putin’s attempts to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory for what they are: clear violations of international law, based on completely fake referenda, all to compensate for an embattled dictator’s utter failure. Ukraine is Ukraine, and we will not recognize Ukraine’s sovereign territory as anything other than part of Ukraine. That’s why I welcome the Biden-Harris administration’s newly announced round of sanctions in concert with U.S. allies and partners against additional Russian targets – and I am pleased that Congress approved an additional package of security, economic, and humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine when we voted to pass a Continuing Resolution today. 

“The American people stand with Ukraine – all of Ukraine. And we will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their independence, sovereignty, and freedom.”

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