My Statement on Ukraine

Summary

The website content expresses a strong condemnation of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, calling it an unprovoked violation of international law and a threat to global democracy and order.

Abstract

The author of the statement vehemently denounces Russia's attack on Ukraine, asserting that it is an unjustified aggression that disregards international law and human decency. The aggression is seen as a response to Ukraine's pursuit of sovereignty, self-determination, and democracy, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the displacement of many. The invasion is portrayed as part of a broader global trend where authoritarianism challenges democratic values, necessitating a strong response from the international community. The author calls for unity among Americans to support President Biden's sanctions against Russia, acknowledging potential economic repercussions but emphasizing the importance of standing for freedom and self-determination. The statement concludes with an expression of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and those in Russia opposing the war, along with prayers for peace amidst the conflict.

Opinions

Russia's military action in Ukraine is characterized as a brazen, illegal, and immoral attack.
The invasion is motivated by Ukraine's choice for democracy and self-determination, not by any threat posed by Ukraine to Russia.
The consequences of the invasion extend beyond Ukraine, threatening the international order and the principles of democracy and rule of law.
The author advocates for a strong, unified response from the international community, including the imposition of hard-hitting sanctions on Russia.
Despite potential economic costs, the author argues that sanctions are necessary to challenge authoritarian aggression and support the ideals of freedom.
The statement expresses moral support for the Ukrainian people and Russian citizens opposing the war, and calls for prayers for all affected by the conflict.

My Statement on Ukraine

Photo Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Last night, Russia launched a brazen attack on the people of Ukraine, in violation of international law and basic principles of human decency. Russia did so not because Ukraine posed a threat to Russia, but because the people of Ukraine chose a path of sovereignty, self-determination, and democracy. For exercising rights that should be available to all people and nations, Ukrainians now face a brutal onslaught that is killing innocents and displacing untold numbers of men, women, and children.

The consequences of Russia’s reckless actions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. This illegal invasion in the heart of Europe also threatens the foundation of the international order and security. For some time now, we have seen the forces of division and authoritarianism make headway around the world, mounting an assault on the ideals of democracy, rule of law, equality, individual liberty, freedom of expression and worship, and self-determination. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows where these dangerous trends can lead — and why they cannot be left unchallenged.

People of conscience around the world need to loudly and clearly condemn Russia’s actions and offer support for the Ukrainian people. And every American, regardless of party, should support President Biden’s efforts, in coordination with our closest allies, to impose hard-hitting sanctions on Russia — sanctions that impose a real price on Russia’s autocratic elites.

There may be some economic consequences to such sanctions, given Russia’s significant role in world energy markets. But that’s a price we should be willing to pay to take a stand on the side of freedom. For over the long term, we all face a choice, between a world in which might makes right and autocrats are free to impose their will through force, or a world in which free people everywhere have the power to determine their own future.

Michelle and I will be praying for the courageous people of Ukraine, for Russian citizens who have bravely declared their opposition to these attacks, and for all those who will bear the cost of a senseless war.