Kelly Statement on Further Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Today, Navy combat veteran and Senate Armed Services Committee member Arizona Senator Mark Kelly issued the following statement on Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine:

“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is unprovoked and unjust. I am thinking tonight of the Ukrainian people, who want nothing but peace, yet are now under attack and in a war for their homeland.

“The United States, alongside our NATO allies, must be resolute in our support for the Ukrainian people. And we must work to quickly impose the maximum sanctions on Putin and the Russian government.”

“Putin has chosen a devastating and illegal war. He bears responsibility and must be held to account.”

Further background:

Through his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and as Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities (ETC), Kelly has worked on and supported security assistance to Ukraine. As ETC Chair, Kelly oversees security cooperation policy. 

The U.S. provided $650 million in security assistance to Ukraine last year alone – the most ever – and has expedited aid in recent weeks. The most recent defense bill includes an additional $300 million in security assistance for Ukraine, as well additional aid for other Eastern European allies. And the temporary government funding bill passed by Congress last week authorized $100 million in immediate military assistance that is available to further help Ukraine. 

In January, Kelly voted in favor of sanctions related to the Nordstream 2 pipeline that was built to bring Russian natural gas to Europe. 

Kelly is an original cosponsor of the Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act, which contains comprehensive Russia sanctions and security aid to Ukraine.

Kelly yesterday released a statement condemning Russia for falsely claiming the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, saying that it was time to implement sanctions on Putin and the Russian government.