Elected officials decry Ukraine invasion
Whether Republican or Democrat, local elected officials are unified in their disapproval of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine on Thursday.
“Russia’s unprovoked and unnecessary attack of Ukraine poses a threat to freedom in Europe and to America's NATO allies in the region,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th. “I call on the Biden administration and NATO partners to lead a swift response to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.”
Kelly said Putin cannot be allowed to bully and intimidate the world to get what he wants, and he is concerned the invasion could become a global threat against the United States and democracy.
Kelly said China is threatening Taiwan and the U.S. must continue to take Iran and North Korea seriously.
“Foretold is forewarned,” Kelly said. “The global storm clouds are gathering, and the U.S. must be ready.”
U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th, also condenmed Putin’s actions.
“This unprovoked invasion of Ukraine must be met with punitive economic sanctions by the United States and our allies,” Lamb said. “Putin and those around him must be made to feel severe, lasting consequences for this unlawful attack.”
Lamb said he stands with the Ukrainian people and prays for their safety in defense of their country.
Gov. Tom Wolf said he supports President Joe Biden’s condemnation of the unprovoked attack, which he said will have far-reaching impacts.
“I urge democratic leaders across the globe to unite and respond decisively to this unjustified and unlawful attack,” Wolf said. “Frances and I pray for the people of Ukraine, as well as the Pennsylvanians who have loved ones living in Ukraine.”
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said the invasion is Putin’s effort to upend international order, undermine democracy and amass power at all costs.
“This invasion highlights the need to continue to strengthen the global alliance of democracies, including NATO, against authoritarianism and those regimes blatantly violating the international rules-based order and basic principles of sovereignty,” Casey said. “The United States stands by the Ukrainian people and we will work with our allies to support their needs.”
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said he supports enforcing sanctions on Russia.
“Yesterday’s events are simply Putin’s latest effort to degrade Ukraine’s sovereignty and turn it into a vassal state,” Toomey said. “The United States and our allies must aim to stop this war before the damage escalates further by imposing harsh sanctions on Russia to ensure Putin understands there will be a crippling cost to his abuses.”
U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-15th, said Russia’s act of aggression is one of the most serious offenses in world politics in many years.
“Vladimir Putin is responsible for an unwarranted and unprompted unilateral attack upon Ukraine, which is the most significant infringement between two states since World War II,” he said. “America and our allies in Europe must stand strong against forces that look to destabilize long-standing peace and respond with swift economic sanctions.”
