March 7, 2022
Today, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and David Cicilline (RI-01) introduced a resolution calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government to be held accountable for the ongoing violations of international law committed during the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine – amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Espaillat-Cicilline resolution:
* Condemns the Russian government’s gross violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and supports the efforts of international organizations to help people displaced by war and conflict;
* Condemns the continued use of unlawful and indiscriminate violence against civilian populations by the government of Russia, its allies, and any other parties to the conflict;
* Urges that the global community hold Vladimir Putin and the Russian government accountable for war crimes committed during the military invasion of Ukraine;
* Urges the United States and its allies to continue providing defense security assistance and humanitarian aid to Ukraine as Ukrainians valiantly defend themselves against Russia’s military invasion;
* Supports the continued use of sanctions against Russia and its allies until Russia ends its military invasion and unequivocally recognizes Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and political independence.
“Putin’s war on Ukraine makes clear his desire to return to an era of conquest and violence, and this moment must not be met without consequences,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Putin’s brazen assaults on residential buildings, schools, synagogues and churches across Ukraine, and his targeting of innocent Ukrainians throughout this conflict, makes clear he is a man without remorse, a moral compass, or respect for international law. The United States must lead in calling for accountability for Putin’s monstrous actions, and by being united in our opposition, other nations will follow in our stead.”
“I saw firsthand the pain and suffering that Putin and his government are causing with this illegal war,” said Congressman Cicilline, who traveled to the Poland-Ukraine border this weekend. “Putin is targeting civilians, hurting millions, and killing children. Ukrainians are fleeing for their lives, sometimes with just the clothes on their backs. As we work to stop this suffering, we need to hold Putin to account for his crimes – and make clear that the global community will not tolerate this flagrant violation of international law.”
The resolution is cosponsored by Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), and Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02).
You can read the full text of the resolution HERE.
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