Van Hollen Statement Marking Two Years Since Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement ahead of the February 24 anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

“It’s been two years since Vladimir Putin launched his unprovoked and ruthless attacks on the people of Ukraine. His war continues to threaten Ukrainian sovereignty, regional stability, and the fate of democracy around the world. If this war is not proof enough of Putin’s sinister goal of weakening these institutions, the imprisonment and death of Russian democracy advocate and leader, Alexei Navalny, serves as another stark reminder – and again reveals the depths of depravity to which he and his cronies are willing to sink to hold onto power.

“The stakes could not be higher, which is why the United States must continue to stand with the people of Ukraine in their campaign to protect their democracy and the territorial integrity of their country. And Ukraine needs our help right now, as they are running dangerously low on ammunition and other vital supplies. They are spilling their blood and sacrificing their lives on the front lines of the fight for decency and democracy; the least we can do is support them in that fight. If the U.S. fails to keep our promise and Putin succeeds, it tells our allies that we can no longer be trusted to stand with them, and it sends a signal to authoritarian regimes around the world that they also can invade their neighboring democratic countries without consequence. Those results would ring the death knell for American credibility and leadership around the world. 

“On this somber anniversary, the world is watching us. The Senate has passed legislation in strong bipartisan fashion to support the people of Ukraine and deliver the resources they need to continue resisting Putin’s aggression. Speaker Johnson and the House GOP must put politics aside and pass this bill without delay. President Biden is waiting to sign it. We must meet this critical moment in history.”

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