Boyle Statement on Escalated Russian Aggression Toward Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to the Russian military firing on and seizing several Ukrainian naval ships yesterday, wounding six Ukrainian sailors:

"Vladimir Putin has once again escalated its illegal war in Ukraine. The United States must vigorously support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian authorities must return Ukrainian vessels and sailors or face more U.S./E.U. sanctions. It is upsetting that during this critical time for Ukraine, President Trump once again chose to attack an ally rather than hold Putin accountable for his aggression."

Congressman Boyle is a leading voice in Congress pushing the United States to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. Most recently, his bill encouraging cybersecurity cooperation with Ukraine passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. He has also pushed Congress to offer more humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and prevent President Trump from coordinating efforts with Russia that threaten Ukraine.

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