Statement for Portland’s Support for Ukraine Rally

Thank you all for being here today to stand against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and for standing together with and for the people of Ukraine. Though I'm not able to join you in person today, I stand strongly with you—and with all Ukrainians.

The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine orchestrated by Vladimir Putin is unacceptable and despicable. The violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and the senseless taking of human life is criminal. Consequences for Putin and his regime must be swift, sweeping, and severe.

Russia's continued aggression has been met with immediate economic and diplomatic consequences. I support the strong sanctions already announced by President Biden and our EU allies, and we must continue intensifying that pressure until Putin, and those around him, bring this madness to an end.

I urge President Biden to continue exercising his authority to increase the consequences for Putin and other members of Russia's leadership. As Congress reconvenes this week, I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in expediting strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine.

We must use all diplomatic and economic tools at our disposal to protect the lives and freedom of Ukrainians. We must also continue providing Ukraine and our NATO allies with urgent assistance; both humanitarian aid and, importantly, whatever defensive resources we can get into the hands of the Ukrainian people as they fight for their lives and their homeland from the borders to the streets of Kyiv.

President Zelensky has shown courageous leadership and the Ukrainian people have proven their tremendous resolve. The United States and the entire world must continue providing our unyielding support, today and for the future.