Hoyer Statement Marking Two Years Since Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today marking two years since Russia's illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine:  

"Today marks two years since Vladimir Putin launched his criminal invasion of Ukraine. In that time, Putin's regime has flattened Ukrainian cities, abducted tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, and tortured, raped, and killed numerous Ukrainian civilians. It's been more than half the length of the war – some 422 days – since this Congress last secured aid for our brave Ukrainian allies. Putin's determination to destroy democracy only grows when he thinks our resolve to defend it wavers. Just this past week, Russian forces launched another major offensive, the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka fell, and Putin silenced his greatest critic and political opponent, Alexei Navalny. Indeed, the stakes of this war remain just as high today as they were two years ago, if not higher.

"The dire situation now unfolding in eastern Ukraine is a consequence of our own inaction. Speaker Johnson and the House GOP's far-right, isolationist contingent continue to block our bipartisan majority's effort to secure supplemental aid for our allies. Instead of allowing the House to work its will, they openly share their sympathy for Putin and cast doubt on America's commitment to supporting allied democracies around the globe. Former President Trump inexplicably and dangerously encourages Putin to attack some of our closest NATO allies.

"Our friends in Ukraine have lost homes. They have lost limbs. They have lost loved ones. They have not, however, lost hope that the forces of freedom will prevail. We must ensure that they do, for this war is a manifestation of a global struggle between democracy and despotism. The people of Ukraine continue to fight gallantly even as their ammunition runs dry, their ranks thin, and their equipment rusts. It falls to this Congress, in this hour, to secure the resources necessary to ensure their heroic effort ends in victory – a victory for the entire free world."