Rep. Kaptur, others seek tougher stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), along with one other Democrat and two Republicans, today introduced a resolution aimed at uniting Congress behind a tougher line on Russian aggression in Ukraine.

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U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), along with one other Democrat and two Republicans, today introduced a resolution aimed at uniting Congress behind a tougher line on Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The resolution calls on Russia to stop violating the agreed upon cease-fire, and stop the violence in eastern Ukraine.

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur

Miss Kaptur, a founding co-chair of the House Ukraine Caucus, attributed the resolution to new attacks by Russia on Avdiivka in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine.

Co-sponsoring the resolution are fellow Ukraine Caucus Co-chairs Rep. Andy Harris (R., Md.), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.), and Rep. Sandy Levin (D., Mich.).

“The day after our new President spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, eastern Ukraine saw a surge of violent attacks from Russia, killing and wounding dozens while leaving thousands without power in the cold Ukrainian winter. Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine is all part of a long-standing campaign to undermine the United States and its NATO allies,” Miss Kapture said in prepared remarks.

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“Russia is testing our new administration and America must stand up for the people of Ukraine and denounce the actions of Putin’s Russia. That is why I introduced with my Ukraine Caucus colleagues a resolution that does just this. I invite all my House colleagues to join me and call upon the Russian Federation to stop the violence and honor the cease-fire.”

She said Russia “must withdraw heavy weapons and troops, stop financing separatists, allow repairs to critical infrastructure and fulfill all of its commitments under the Minsk Agreements.” She added, “America must assist with the humanitarian crisis Ukraine faces and we can start with demanding Russia end the violent antics.”

A spokesman for Mr. Trump has said he’s considering lifting sanctions that were put in place by President Obama in 2014 after Russia took over Crimea portion of Ukraine.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R., Ohio), a co-chair of the Ukraine caucus in the Senate, has issued statements urging the administration not to lift sanctions.

Contact Tom Troy: tomtroy@theblade.com or 419-724-6058 or on Twitter @TomFTroy.