Virginia leaders issue statements on Russian invasion of Ukraine

(WDBJ) - Politicians in and representing Virginia have issued statements since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced military operations against Ukraine Wednesday night.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an assault on a sovereign nation and will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian citizens. This senseless, unprovoked attack undermines democracy worldwide and we must hold Russia accountable. And we pray for the Ukrainian people and for peace.
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) February 24, 2022

Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA6):

“I stand with the American people in our solidarity against Russian aggression, and we pray for peace in Ukraine. As the President addresses the Nation this afternoon, he must impose all diplomatic and economic pressure on the Kremlin to send a strong and clear message to Russia and our enemies that an attack on a sovereign country will be met with swift and devastating consequences. Additionally, while sanctions and suspensions of the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is a good start, the President should announce a full cancelation of U.S. support for this ill-advised project.”

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA9):

“I ask everyone to join me in praying for the people of Ukraine. I also condemn Vladimir Putin’s malicious and vicious unjust war against Ukraine. President Putin must be punished for these egregious actions. The United States can support Ukraine by sanctioning Russian industry and increasing our energy production here at home.

“President Biden needs to reverse his energy extraction-killing policies so that we can export more natural gas and oil to Europe. This will ensure that Germany and all of Europe will have sufficient fuel supplies. If our allies have adequate energy supplies, they can help us enforce sanctions against Russia for as long as is necessary to break the Russian economy.”

US Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA):

“Putin’s decision to attack Ukraine is an unacceptable affront to Ukraine’s sovereignty and to democracies everywhere. This is a crisis of Putin’s own making. The United States and the international community have offered Putin every opportunity to de-escalate diplomatically. Instead, he chose a path of conflict, risking the lives of citizens in both Ukraine and Russia.

Kaine helped introduce the Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022 in January, legislation which imposes sanctions on the Russian banking sector and senior military and government officials if President Putin escalates hostile action in or against Ukraine.

US Senator Mark Warner (D-VA):