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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) issued the following statement regarding Russia’s actions in Eastern Ukraine. 

“Europe is on the verge of war because of the actions of Vladimir Putin. Russia’s illegal recognition of independence in Luhansk and Donetsk – and an invasion of Russian troops in those regions – are an extreme escalation,” said Latta. “Putin’s speech yesterday leaves no doubt of his intentions, and it’s clear this won’t stop with the annexation of Eastern Ukraine. Russia’s actions threaten to destabilize all of Eastern Europe and other actors like China, Iran, and North Korea are waiting to see how the West responds.

“Appeasement does not work, and it especially does not work with someone like Vladimir Putin. The Biden Administration’s decision to focus on deterrence and hold sanctions over Putin’s head clearly did not stop him. We can’t wait any longer to enact strong sanctions with our allies that directly target the Russian economy, banks, oligarchs, and political leadership in Moscow. I’m supporting legislation that would do just that, but the Biden Administration has the ability to act by executive action at any time. I was pleased to hear that some of these sanctions were announced today.

“The United States, along with our allies, must show strength by immediately leveling significant financial and diplomatic sanctions against Russia. While the Nord Stream 2 pipeline should never have been allowed to be completed, Germany has made the right to decision to freeze it in light of Russia’s invasion. The sanctions announced by President Biden today are also a step in the right direction, but they are still too little, too late. More must be done.

“We know that Putin’s actions won’t just matter in Eastern Europe – they will reverberate around the world and be felt here at home. It’s assured that Americans will be seeing even higher energy prices in the near future. Energy security is national security, and it’s critical that we undo the actions of the Biden Administration that have hindered the production of American energy and made us more dependent on foreign oil and gas.

“We have reached a critical moment. The United States must join with our allies to stand up to Putin and hold him accountable for his decision to invade Ukraine.

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