Hoyer Remarks on Four Years Since Russian Invasion of Ukraine
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks to mark four years since Russia launched its illegal war and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:
Click here to watch a video of his remarks.
“Four years ago, the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin launched his brutal, unprovoked, and criminal invasion of Ukraine. He thought he would achieve victory in a matter of days. Instead, the Russian bear was skewered on the Ukrainian sword. Four years later, the blue and gold flag still flies over Kyiv. Four years later, the people of Ukraine continue to fight. Four years later, Russia is bloodied but has not yet been beaten.
“Donald Trump thinks that he can end this war by placating Vladimir Putin. But as we learned from Chamberlain and Churchill, appeasement cannot stop a dictator. Only action can. Donald Trump won't act, so Congress must. In the past four years, we have had 12 votes on supporting Ukraine. And on average, 80% of all the Members voted in favor of supporting the brave and embattled Ukraine. It's now been 675 days, however, since this Congress last passed legislation that clearly and with conviction supported aid for Ukraine and condemnation of Russian aggression. Ranking Member Gregory Meeks and I now have 217 signatures – all House Democrats and two courageous and committed Republicans – on a bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on the Ukraine Support Act. We only need one more Member. One more Member to sign on. One more signature for democracy. One more signature for human rights. One more signature to oppose Putin's oppression and tyranny. One more vote to defeat despotism.
“I hope you'll call your Representatives and urge them to sign the discharge petition and advance the Ukraine Support Act. There are no more Democrats left to sign. One more Republican. Ukrainians are fighting for democracy's survival not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe, America, and beyond. This is about, ‘Can democracy survive?’ Putin started this war on his own terms. Let us end it on ours."