Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine 

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement regarding the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine and overthrow of the democratically-elected, Ukrainian government.  Russian forces, under the leadership of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, have attacked Ukrainian forces and cities across the country.  Today, Russian troops threaten the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“What is happening in the Ukraine is a direct assault on democracy by an authoritative thug.  Vladimir Putin has violated every international law with his military actions in Ukraine.  My prayers are with the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom and my condolences to the families of Ukrainians who have died to protect that freedom.  I strongly support the sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and our allies as a step to condemn and mitigate this unprovoked attack.  Putin must pay a price for his destructive and violent aggression against a peaceful country.”