Lawmakers and other local leaders and organizations are weighing in on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Among them is Virginia’s senior U.S. senator and Senate Intelligence Chair Mark Warner (D-Va.), who echoed the condemnations of the invasion by world leaders. Warner, in a statement, called the situation tragic and said Russia will “pay a steep cost.”
“For more than 70 years, we have avoided large-scale war in Europe. With his illegal invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has tragically brought decades of general peace to an end. Now the U.S. and our NATO allies must stand united and resolute against Putin’s efforts to renew the Russian empire at the expense of the Ukrainian people.
“President Biden has already imposed an initial tranche of sanctions, and it is now time for us to up the pain level for the Russian government. We should also continue to bolster the defenses of our NATO allies while exploring how we can further help the Ukrainian people in their time of need.
“While there is still an opportunity for Russia to reverse course, we can no longer hold out hope that this standoff will be resolved peacefully. Therefore, we must all, on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Atlantic, work together to demonstrate to Putin that this aggression will not be allowed to go unpunished.
“What is happening in Ukraine is a tragedy not only for Ukraine, but for the Russian people as well. They will pay a steep cost for Putin’s reckless ambition, in blood and in economic harm.”
Arlington Democrats, meanwhile, tweeted this morning — following an television appearance by Warner on CBS Mornings — that “we are all thinking of those affected by the horrible conflict in Ukraine.”
We are all thinking of those affected by the horrible conflict in Ukraine
Senator Warner is Chairman of the Intelligence Committee and is working with President Biden to counter Putin’s aggression
Thank you to our military and intelligence members involved in America’s response https://t.co/ulhTTddKWE
— Arlington Democrats (@arlingtondems) February 24, 2022
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said last night that he was “praying for the Ukrainian people” and that “America stands with Ukraine.”
Diocese of Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge also released a brief statement via social media this morning, pushing for “an end to this attack.”
With deep sadness, we see the devastating impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including death, injuries, and destruction. May we be united in calling for an end to this attack and in praying for the safety of the people of Ukraine and for peace and stability in the region.
— Bishop Burbidge (@BishopBurbidge) February 24, 2022